[2007] UGCommC 104

[2007] UGCommC 104

The court found that service of summons on a receptionist does not constitute effective service on a corporation under Order 29 rule 2(a) of the Civil Procedure Rules. The process server's affidavit did not establish service on a principal officer, and there was no evidence that the summons were left at the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2007] UGCommC 104
Parties
Applicant: Crane Bank Ltd; Respondent: Kabuye Victoria (Mrs)
Court
Commercial Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT-00-CC-MA 719 of 2007
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Application / Ruling
Outcome
exparte judgment set aside; leave to file defence granted; costs awarded to applicant
Legal Topics
Service of Process, Exparte Judgment, Corporate Defendant Service, Bank Customer Relationship
Source Language
en
Civil Procedure Commercial and Corporate Service of Process Exparte Judgment Corporate Defendant Service Bank Customer Relationship

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Parties

Crane Bank Ltd

Applicant

Kabuye Victoria (Mrs)

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Miscellaneous Application / Ruling

  1. 1 Whether service of summons on a receptionist constitutes effective service on a corporation under Ugandan law.
  2. 2 Whether the ex parte judgment against the applicant should be set aside for lack of effective service.
  3. 3 Whether the applicant has a prima facie defence to the respondent's claim.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that service of summons on a receptionist does not constitute effective service on a corporation under Order 29 rule 2(a) of the Civil Procedure Rules. The process server's affidavit did not establish service on a principal officer, and there was no evidence that the summons were left at the registered office as required by rule 2(b). The applicant's managing director only received the summons on 21st September 2007, making that the effective date of service. The written statement of defence was filed within the prescribed period, and the applicant demonstrated a prima facie defence. The court held that the ex parte judgment was improperly entered and should be set aside...

Court Disposition

exparte judgment set aside; leave to file defence granted; costs awarded to applicant

Orders

  • The ex parte judgment against the applicant in HCCS No. 753 of 2007 is set aside.
  • The applicant is granted leave to file a written statement of defence.