[2023] UGHC 122
The court found that the applicant provided a justifiable reason for absence at the time of dismissal, specifically the delay caused by court security, and demonstrated continued interest in pursuing the suit. The cause of action involves allegations of fraud and irregularities on land, which merit determination on...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2023] UGHC 122
- Parties
- Applicant: Byamukama Jovenna; Respondent: Sebambulidde Haruna; Respondent: Nansubuga Sarah & Emilly Nabatanzi (Administrators of the estate of the late Nsubuga Luki); Respondent: Masaba Gabudyelo; Respondent: Nkwaga Musoke Robert; Respondent: Nalunga Birigenda; Respondent: Peter Semanda Birigenda; Respondent: Wasswa Geofrey; Respondent: Muganga Lameck; Respondent: Kanoonya Isma; Respondent: Commissioner for Land Registration
- Court
- High Court of Uganda
- Jurisdiction
- Uganda
- Case Number
- Miscellaneous Application 121 of 2023
- Procedural Posture
- Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
- Outcome
- application_granted
- Judges
- Mwondha, J
- Legal Topics
- Setting Aside Dismissal, Reinstatement of Suit, Fraud on Land, Right to Be Heard
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Byamukama Jovenna
Applicant
Sebambulidde Haruna
Respondent
Nansubuga Sarah & Emilly Nabatanzi (Administrators of the estate of the late Nsubuga Luki)
Respondent
Masaba Gabudyelo
Respondent
Nkwaga Musoke Robert
Respondent
Nalunga Birigenda
Respondent
Peter Semanda Birigenda
Respondent
Wasswa Geofrey
Respondent
Muganga Lameck
Respondent
Kanoonya Isma
Respondent
Commissioner for Land Registration
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicant had justifiable reason for absence at the time of dismissal.
- 2 Whether the applicant is still interested in pursuing the dismissed suit with a high chance of success.
- 3 Whether it is just, fair, and in the interest of justice to grant the application and reinstate the suit.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicant provided a justifiable reason for absence at the time of dismissal, specifically the delay caused by court security, and demonstrated continued interest in pursuing the suit. The cause of action involves allegations of fraud and irregularities on land, which merit determination on their merits. The court held that it is in the interest of justice to set aside the dismissal order and reinstate Civil Suit No.034 of 2021 for hearing interparties. Costs are to be considered in the main suit.
Court Disposition
application_granted
Orders
- The order dismissing Civil Suit No.034 of 2021 is set aside.
- Civil Suit No.034 of 2021 is reinstated and shall be heard interparties.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
32 paragraphs
### THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
# IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT MUKONO **MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO.121 OF 2023** ARISING FROM CIVIL SUIT NO.034 OF 2021
BYAMUKAMA JOVENNA:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#### **VERSUS**
**1. SEBAMBULIDDE HARUNA**
2. NANSUBUGA SARAH & EMILLY NABATANZI (Administrators of the estate of the late Nsubuga Luki)
3. MASABA GABUDYELO
**4. NKWAGA MUSOKE ROBERT**
5. NALUNGA BIRIGENDA
**6. PETER SEMANDA BIRIGENDA**
**7. WASSWA GEOFREY**
**8. MUGANGA LAMECK**
**9. KANOONYA ISMA**
**10. COMMISSIONER FOR LAND** REGISTRATION::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
## **BEFORE: HON. LADY JUSTICE JAQUELINE MWONDHA**
#### **RULING**
This was an application brought before me by the applicant's Counsel M/s JP Baingana & Associated Advocates. It was brought
Whenods.
under 0.9 r 23 and order 52 r 1& 3 of the CPR and Section 98 of the CPA. It sought for orders as follows;
- 1. The order dismissing Civil Suit No. 034 of 2021 to be set aside. - 2. That the order reinstating Civil Suit No.034 of 2021 to be heard and determined on its merits. - 3. Costs to be provided.
The application was supported by the affidavit of the applicant Byamukama Jovenna, the applicant's grounds briefly are;
- 1. The cause of the action is fraud and orelugulaities on the land which ought to be disposed on its merits. - 2. That the applicant's Advocate appeared at Court in time when the case was due to be heard but his entry was delayed by the security detail of the Judges. - 3. That the applicant is still interested in pursuing his right to property as Administrator of the estate of the late Especto Ssenyigo. - 4. That when the applicant's Advocate appeared to the Judge's chambers minutes after 9:00 am when the trial/Resident Judge was starting to read the ruling. - 5. The applicant was sealed in another chambers upstairs. - 6. It's in the interest of Justice that the order dismissing the main suit is set aside and the reinstated and heard on its merit.
In such matters there are three major issues to consider that is;
When age
- 1. Whether the applicant had justifiable reason to be prevented to be in Court at the time he was required at both dismissals. - 2. Whether the applicant is still interested in pursuing the dismissed suit which has a high chance of success. - 3. Whether it's just, fair and in the interest of Justice that this application be granted to ends of Justice to meet.
The issues above can only be determined by evidence as per the applicant which having perused as a matter of timing.
I find that the application for setting aside the dismissal on both times:
- 1. Is successfully set aside. - 2. Suit No.034 of 2021 be reinstated and be heard interparties. - 3. Costs be considered on the main suit. - 4. There seems to be a high chance of success to the applicant.
Pluads.
**JAQUELINE MWONDHA JUDGE**
25<sup>th</sup> Septermber, 2023.
Almondia