[2003] UGHC 2

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{\insrsid225369 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2953703 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid7407871 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid9921261 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid7407871 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid7407871 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6189466 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 The republic of Uganda \par \par In the high court of Uganda at }{\caps\fs28\insrsid4210187 FORT PORTAL}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \par \par }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 H}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 ct}{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 \endash 01 \endash cv \endash c}{\caps\fs28\insrsid14762516 S}{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 - 0016}{ \caps\fs28\insrsid15669481 of }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 2003}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \par }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 (Arising from }{\caps\fs28\insrsid4210187 HCT-01-CV-}{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 cs- 0001}{\caps\fs28\insrsid15669481 of }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 2000) \par }{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6189466 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 Emmanuel basaliza \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466 \'85}{\caps\fs28\insrsid8280536 \'85..}{ \caps\fs28\insrsid6189466 \'85\'85.}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \'85\'85. }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6643018 Appellant}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6189466 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 Versus \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6189466 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6643018 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 Mujwisa chris \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466 \'85\'85\'85}{\caps\fs28\insrsid8280536 \'85..}{ \caps\fs28\insrsid6189466 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 .. }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6643018 REspondent}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130 \par }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6643018\charrsid6189466 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6189466 {\caps\fs28\insrsid732130\charrsid6189466 Before: hon. Justice lameck n. mukasa \par \par }{\caps\fs28\insrsid6189466\charrsid6189466 Judgment:}{\caps\fs28\insrsid732130 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\caps\fs28\insrsid3565376 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\caps\fs28\insrsid3565376 T}{\fs28\insrsid5140321 he Appellant, Emmanuel Basaliza was the plaintiff in Fort Portal Chief Magistrates Court Civil Suit }{\fs28\insrsid1596085 No. MFP 1 of 2000. }{\fs28\insrsid16150079 T}{\fs28\insrsid1596085 he Appellant brought the said original suit against the Respondent, Chris Mujwisa, to recover general damages, compensation of shs3,3000,000/= interest and costs. }{\fs28\insrsid3565376 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1596085 The appellant\rquote s cause of action was f}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 o}{\fs28\insrsid1596085 unded in trespass. The parties had neigh}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 bouring farms separated by }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 a}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 barbed wire fence. The appellant\rquote s claim was that in the month of July1998 the Respondent\rquote s cows strayed into the Appellant\rquote s banana plantation trespassing thereon and destroyed banana plants valued by a field extension officer at shs1,200,000/= A}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 lso}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 in the month of November 1999}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 , t}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 he respondent\rquote s cows trespassed upon the appellant\rquote s farm and}{\fs28\insrsid11296145 }{\fs28\insrsid16150079 pasture, destroying thereon pasture and banana plants and broke a wooden bridge causing damage all valued}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 at shs1,200,000/= On a third }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 occasion}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 , also around November 1999 }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 t}{\fs28\insrsid16150079 he Respondent\rquote s animals trespassed}{\fs28\insrsid4722529 and destroyed the Appellant \rquote s banana plants valued at shs600,000. Also on 10}{\fs28\super\insrsid4722529\charrsid4722529 th}{\fs28\insrsid4722529 December 1999 the Respondent\rquote s animals trespassed into the Appellant\rquote s property and on this occasion the Respondent\rquote s bull illegally mounted the Appellant\rquote s pregnant heifer which aborted as a result. The value of the would be calf was put at Shs}{\fs28\insrsid11999893 300,000/=.}{\fs28\insrsid1596085 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid11999893 In his defence the Respondent denied that his cows had ever strayed onto the Appellant\rquote s banana plantation, denied that his bull had illegally mounted the Appellant\rquote s pregnant }{\fs28\insrsid7865965 heifer and contended that no heifer of the Appellant had aborted and further that the Appellant had sent his workers to the Respondent\rquote s farm who drove out his cows and took them to the Appellant\rquote s farm and detained them until the area L. C. I chairman intervened and they were released.}{\fs28\insrsid11999893 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid7865965 In his judgment the learned Chief Magistrate found that there was no proved trespass on all occasions and dismissed the Appellant\rquote s claim with costs. The Appellant was dissatisfied with the judgment thus this appeal on the ground that:- \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid7865965 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid7865965 \'93The learned trial }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 C}{\fs28\insrsid7865965 hief}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 Magistrate err}{ \fs28\insrsid6643018 e}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 d in law and fact when he failed to p}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 rop}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 e}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 r}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 ly evaluate the evidence before him and came to the wrong conclusion.\'94}{ \fs28\insrsid7865965 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid4535310 \par }\pard \qj \fi357\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid4535310 The Memorandum of Appeal in respect to this appeal was filed together with an uncertified photocopy of the proceedings of the lower court. On 13}{\fs28\super\insrsid4535310\charrsid4535310 th}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 November 2003 when the appeal came up for hearing Mr. Nyamutale appearing fo}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 r}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 the Respondent, communicated to court that he }{\fs28\insrsid5247482 had agreed with Mr. B}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 irungi}{ \fs28\insrsid5247482 }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 c}{\fs28\insrsid5247482 ounsel for the Appellant, that they be allowed to file written submissions, he further requested to be served with a certified copy of the proceedings of the lower court. The applicat} {\fs28\insrsid12280139 ion to file written submission was granted. A certified }{\fs28\insrsid4338904 copy to the proceedings was filed and is on court record.}{\fs28\insrsid4535310 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid4338904 In his submissions Mr. Nyamuta le raised a preliminary point of law which I will deal with first. He contended that the }{\fs28\insrsid7886904 record of Appeal was defective because it was not certified}{\fs28\insrsid415247 and that the}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 r}{\fs28\insrsid415247 e was no }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 certificate of}{\fs28\insrsid415247 correctness dully given by the Chief Magistrate as he had not signed and sealed it with the Court Seal. He referred to }{\fs28\ul\insrsid6643018 Yoana Ya}{\fs28\ul\insrsid2778881 k}{ \fs28\ul\insrsid415247\charrsid415247 uze V/S Victoria Nakalembe (1988 \endash 1990) HCB 138}{\fs28\insrsid415247 .}{\fs28\insrsid4338904 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid415247 In that case the memorandum of appeal did not bear any court seal. Court held that it could not therefore be ascertained when it was presented t o court. Consequently Court held that it did not appear as a court document. I have carefully studied the papers filed in the instant appeal. The memorandum of Appeal was filed on 24}{\fs28\super\insrsid415247\charrsid415247 th}{\fs28\insrsid415247 September 2003. It was}{\fs28\insrsid16519045 stamped with the stamp of the \'93Deputy Registrar High Court of Uganda Western Circuit\'94 . The Memorandum of Appeal was filed together with a photocopy of the proceedings of the lower court. The proceedings had not been certified by the lower court however, another copy of the proceedings of the lower Court and judgment were filed duly certified on 13}{\fs28\super\insrsid16519045\charrsid16519045 th}{\fs28\insrsid16519045 November 2003 by the Chief Magistrate under the court stamp. I therefore find no merit in the preliminary point of law raised by the Respondent. It is accordingly overruled and I now proceed to handle the appeal on its merit.}{\fs28\insrsid415247

\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid16519045 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid16519045 In his submissions Counsel for the Appellant stated that the trial Magistrate did not properly address the issue of trespass, the su}{\fs28\insrsid11870935 bject of the main suit raised by the Appellant. He pointed out that PW1 John Kasaija had directl y witnessed the trespass of the respondent\rquote s cattle on the appellant\rquote s banana plantation as per the July 1998 incident. That as to the }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 November 1999}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 }{\fs28\insrsid11870935 incident PW3 Johnson Kaganda had recognized the invading cows as those of the respondent. That the co}{\fs28\insrsid6643018 w}{\fs28\insrsid11870935 s first destroyed the appellant\rquote s banana plantations, drunk water in the water trough and ate salt. That a bull had mounted the Appellant\rquote s cow which was pregnant. Counsel contended that had the learned Chief Magistrate properly considered and evaluated the above evidence he would had found that }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 t}{\fs28\insrsid11870935 he appellant had proved his case on the balance of probabilities.}{\fs28\insrsid11076841 }{\fs28\insrsid16519045 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid11076841 This being a first appeal, it\rquote s the duty of this Court to review and re-evaluate the record of evidence adduced before the trial Court as a whole giving it fresh and exhaustive }{\fs28\insrsid6643018 scrutiny}{ \fs28\insrsid3412512 and then drawn its own conclusion of fact and determine whether on the evidence the decision of the trial court should stand. See }{\fs28\ul\insrsid3412512\charrsid6163476 D. R. Pandya V/S R (1957) EA 336}{\fs28\insrsid3412512 . The first Appellant Court must do so }{\fs28\insrsid6163476 against the}{\fs28\insrsid3412512 background that if the conclusion}{\fs28\insrsid9921191 of the trial court had been arrived at on conflicting testimony after seeing and hearing witness}{ \fs28\insrsid6643018 es}{\fs28\insrsid9921191 , the appellant court in arriving at a decision should bear in mind that it has not enjoyed this opportunity and that the vie w of the trail court as to where credibility lies is entitled to greater weight. However, there may be other circumstances}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 quite apart from manner and deme}{\fs28\insrsid9381664 n}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 our}{\fs28\insrsid9921191 which may show whether a statement is credible or not which may warrant an appellant}{\fs28\insrsid6163476 court in d eferring from a trial court even on a question of fact turning on the credibility of witnesses whom the appellant court has not seen. See }{\fs28\ul\insrsid6163476\charrsid6163476 Selle & Anor V/S Associated Mot}{\fs28\ul\insrsid8157175 or}{ \fs28\ul\insrsid6163476\charrsid6163476 Boat Company Ltd & Other (1968) EA 123}{\fs28\insrsid6163476 . }{\fs28\insrsid11076841 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid6163476 In his judgment the learned trial Chief Magistrate first considered the alleged acts of trespass committed in July 1998. He then considered the trespass of 1999 wherein he identified the following act}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 s}{ \fs28\insrsid6163476 of trespass:- \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6163476 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid6163476 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-375\li735\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx735\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin735\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6163476 The coming of cows of the defendant to the plaintiff}{\fs28\insrsid8143286 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid6163476 s farm. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid6163476 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}The damaging of the bridge. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid6163476 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}The trespass on the plaintiff banana plantation and eating of the grass/pasture. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs28\insrsid6163476 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}The defendant}{\fs28\insrsid8143286 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid6163476 s bull mounting the plaintiff\rquote s cow and the cow\rquote s abortion. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6163476 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6163476 While considering the trespass allegedly committed in 1998 the learned trial Chief Magistr ate considered contradictions in the evidence }{\fs28\insrsid8143286 of the plaintiff and that of his witness and as result he did not believe their evidence. It was an agreed fact from the evidence adduced by both parties that the two owned farms which at one point shared a common boundary. Further that there was }{ \fs28\insrsid16664463 a barbed wire fence between the two farms at that point. They both kept cattle on their respective farms. }{\fs28\insrsid6163476 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid16664463 Regarding the incident which was alleged to have taken place in July 1998, PW1 John Kasaija stated that whi le at work in the }{\fs28\insrsid1457047 appellant\rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid16664463 at around 11:00 a.m. about 20 to 25 cows of the respondent entered into the }{\fs28\insrsid1457047 appellant\rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid16664463 and destroyed the appellant\rquote s banana plantation by eating the banana stems. Both the appellant and this witness stated that the incident was reported to the L. C. I }{\fs28\insrsid1457047 officials who}{\fs28\insrsid16664463 came in to assess the damage. Both named Bernard Rwaheru as being among the L. C. Official who came over. However, there }{\fs28\insrsid13784976 were contractions}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 as to whether he was the chairman of the area or not at the mater ial time. While being cross-examined Leonard Rwaheru denied going to the }{\fs28\insrsid13784976 appellant\rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 in July 1998. John Ka}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 sa}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 ija also named Kaganda among the people who }{\fs28\insrsid13784976 had come}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 in to see the damage but in his testimony the said Johnson Kaganda did not talk about the July 1998 incident. The Assistant Veterinary Officer, }{ \fs28\insrsid13784976 Michael}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 Businge testified that on 27}{\fs28\super\insrsid1457047\charrsid1457047 th}{\fs28\insrsid1457047 July 1998 he was called by the appellant to carry out an assessment of the appellant\rquote s crops destroyed by }{\fs28\insrsid13784976 animals. This witness came in after the event he therefore did not witness the trespass being committed. That leaves only John Kasaija who testified that he had actually seen the Respondent\rquote s cows trespass on the Appellant\rquote s plantation and destroying the banana plantation}{\fs28\insrsid12150337 . However while being cross-examined this witness contradicted himself when he stated}{\fs28\insrsid9771663 : \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid9771663 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid9771663 \'93We do not s}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 ay}{\fs28\insrsid9771663 }{\fs28\insrsid14425273 in the farm after leading our cows, we go away. I was not present when the cows trespassed upon the banana plantation.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14425273 \par Also when being re-examined he stated: \par \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14425273 \'93I was not present when the defendant\rquote s cows trespassed }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 on }{ \fs28\insrsid14425273 the plaintiff\rquote s farm in July 1998.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14425273 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14425273 The above were contradictions in the evidence of a key witness which should not be disregarded as they went to the root cause of action. I accordingly find that the learned chief Magis trate properly evaluated the evidence before him and came to the right conclusion that the appellant had failed on a balance of probabilities to prove the alleged act of trespass committed by the respondent\rquote s cows in July 1998. \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid14425273 With regard to the trespass stated to have been committed in November 1999 the record shows that the evidence adduced by both sides indicated that about 25 to 30 cows of the Respondent}{\fs28\insrsid5197778 including a bull entered the appellant\rquote s farm. The issue is how the Respondent\rquote s cattle gained entry into the Appellant\rquote s farm. }{\fs28\insrsid14425273 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid5197778 John Kaganda stated that one day in the month of November 1999 at around 9.00 a.m. he }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 m}{\fs28\insrsid5197778 et visiting cows mixed with the }{\fs28\insrsid8280536 Appellant\rquote s cows}{ \fs28\insrsid5197778 drinking water. The appellant\rquote s cow}{\fs28\insrsid8590262 s}{\fs28\insrsid5197778 were of the exotic Fresian type while the visiting cows were a mixture of the local breed and cross breed. The visiting cows number}{ \fs28\insrsid8157175 ed}{\fs28\insrsid5197778 about 28 to 30. According to him the visiting cows had gained entrance by breaking into the barbed wire fence. He recognized the visit}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 ing cows as those }{\fs28\insrsid5197778 of the Respondent because on several occasions the same cows would trespass onto the appellant\rquote s farm and the witness would drive them back. The witness reported to the herdsman}{\fs28\insrsid10769750 Kasaija and to the appellant. This witness did not see the cows enter the farm. He found the cows while they had }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 already}{\fs28\insrsid10769750 trespassed the banana plantation and crossed the bridge. }{\fs28\insrsid5197778

\par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid10769750 John Kasaija testified that on the material day after milking the cows he went home. Shortly after he was called by Tadeo who informed the witness that strange cows had entered the appellant\rquote s farm. The witness saw the cows which had mixed }{\fs28\insrsid4092108 with the appellant\rquote s cows. He separated the two herds. Took the appellants herd home and left the invading herd in the farm. This witness also did not see how the invading herd had entered the farm. However, he stated that the cows had broken through the }{ \fs28\insrsid8280536 Respondent\rquote s fence}{\fs28\insrsid4092108 and entered the appellant\rquote s farm.}{\fs28\insrsid10769750 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid4092108 The defence version is that }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 it was }{\fs28\insrsid4092108 the appellant\rquote s }{\fs28\insrsid552839 workmen who had cut his fence and drove his cattle from his farm into the }{\fs28\insrsid8280536 appellant \rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid552839 . The witness Irene Kabanyaha stated that she would occasionally visit the Respondent at his farm and stay for about two or three months. That at the material time on 26}{\fs28\super\insrsid552839\charrsid552839 th}{ \fs28\insrsid552839 November 1999 while cutting trees for a broom in the defendant\rquote s farm at around 9.00 a.m. or 10.00 a.m. she was attracted by noise coming from the side of the Respondent\rquote s farm where cattle was grazing. She moved towards the noise and saw strange peo}{\fs28\insrsid5585427 p}{\fs28\insrsid552839 le dri}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 vi}{\fs28\insrsid552839 ng the Respondent\rquote s cattle and crossing into the Appellant\rquote s farm. That he over heard the appellant thanking those people for having brought in the cattle. This witness informed }{\fs28\insrsid5585427 Yakobo Kasaija, the Respondent\rquote s herdsman, who went after the cattle. Yakobo Kasaija testified that he was called by his mother and wh en he came he found that cattle had been taken away. That he followed the cattle which he found in the appellants farm. The witness stated that he had found that the Respondent\rquote s barbed wire had been broken. The witness contradicted }{ \fs28\insrsid15363292 himself when }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 said }{\fs28\insrsid15363292 he had not seen the appellant\rquote s workers taking the cattle to the appellant\rquote s farm, but later stated that he had seen he appellant, Lakwena, Kalinda and Kaganda and other people driving the Respondents cows from the Respondent\rquote s farm and he followed them.}{\fs28\insrsid4092108 \par }{\fs28\insrsid15363292 Y}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 akobo Kasaija stated that when }{\fs28\insrsid15363292 he followed the cows onto the appellant}{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid15363292 s home, the appellant arrested, tied and assaulted him. Irene Kabanyaka stated that after waiting for Yakobo Kasaija return in vain, she also went to the Appellant\rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid9202459 . The witness fou nd Yakobo Kasaija beaten and tied on a tree in the compound she untied him.}{\fs28\insrsid15363292 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid9202459 Irene Kabanyaka testified that at around 7.00 p.m. she together with Rwaheru went to the appellant\rquote s home to seek the release of the cattle. The appellant released to them the cows but retained the bull which he released after three days. \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid9202459 The learned Chief Magistrate believed Irene Kabanyaka\rquote s evidence that the cows were driven from the respondent\rquote s farm to the }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 appellant\rquote s farm}{\fs28\insrsid9202459 . His }{ \fs28\insrsid8590262 worship had}{\fs28\insrsid9202459 an advantage over me in that he had the opportunity to see and hear the witness}{\fs28\insrsid8355057 testify, which opportunity I luck. However, there }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 may be}{ \fs28\insrsid8355057 circumstances which may warrant }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 an appellate}{\fs28\insrsid8355057 court in differing from a trial court even on a question of facts turning on the credibility of witness es whom the appellate court has not seen.}{\fs28\insrsid9202459 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8355057 The evidence of the appellant and his witnesses is that this incident was reported to the chairman L. C. I by then Bernard Rwaheru. This was confirmed by Bernard Rwaheru who testified that on 26}{ \fs28\super\insrsid8355057\charrsid8355057 th}{\fs28\insrsid8355057 November 1999 }{\fs28\insrsid10295409 t}{\fs28\insrsid8355057 he appellant reported to him that the Respondent\rquote s cattle }{\fs28\insrsid10295409 had trespassed on his firm. At around 5.30 p.m. the witness went to the appellant\rquote s farm where they counted 29 cows. The 30}{\fs28\super\insrsid10295409\charrsid10295409 th}{\fs28\insrsid10295409 was at }{\fs28\insrsid8157175 the }{ \fs28\insrsid10295409 home of the Appellant}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 .}{\fs28\insrsid10295409 I believe that must have been the bull}{\fs28\insrsid1792385 . }{\fs28\insrsid10295409 After the cows had been counted, the 29 cows were released to the Respondent\rquote s w}{\fs28\insrsid8157175 orkers}{\fs28\insrsid10295409 who had gone to the appellant\rquote s farm to collect the cattle. The report was made to the witness by the appellant and not any of the Respondent\rquote s workers. If Irene Kabanyaka\rquote s testimony }{\fs28\insrsid16583664 was to be believed then the acts of }{\fs28\insrsid3564520 the}{\fs28\insrsid16583664 people who has entered the Respondent\rquote s farm cut the barbed wire fence, driven the respondent\rquote s cattle out of his farm onto another farm without the Respondent\rquote s }{\fs28\insrsid14643061 consent were}{ \fs28\insrsid16583664 doing nothing short of stealing. Such conduct was criminal which called for immediate reporting to the relevant authorities and }{\fs28\insrsid14643061 a}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 rres}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 t. There was no evidence of any report made by the Respondent\rquote s workers. Instead the Respondent\rquote s workers went to the appellant to see}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 k}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 the re lease of the cattle. Further such conduct was unexpected in the hostile circumstances shown by the evidence to have been existing at the material time between the parties. The conduct shows the Respondent\rquote s workers trying to plead with the appellant for the release of the cattle which they had allowed to st}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 r}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 ay into his farm. In the circumstances I find that had the learned Chief Magistrate given the evidence before}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 him}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 sufficient }{\fs28\insrsid11949495 scrutiny}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 he would have belie}{ \fs28\insrsid3564520 ve}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 d the appellant and his witness}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 es}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 and fo}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 u}{\fs28\insrsid14643061 nd that the Respondent}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 \rquote }{ \fs28\insrsid14643061 s cattle did in the month of November 1999 trespass onto the Appellant\rquote s farm, and I so find.}{\fs28\insrsid8355057 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14643061 In his plaint, the appellant claimed for 3,300,000/= as compensation for the property damaged. This claim is comprised of:- \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14643061 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11949495\charrsid3564520 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (i)\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1080\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1080\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin454\lin1080\itap0\pararsid16543322 { \insrsid11949495\charrsid3564520 Banana plants destroyed in the course of July 1998 \endash Shs1,200,000/= trespass.}{\insrsid14643061\charrsid3564520 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\fs20\insrsid11949495\charrsid2778881 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}{\fs20\insrsid11949495\charrsid2778881 Broken wooden bridge, banana plants and pasture damaged during \endash shs1,200,000/= the November 1999 trespass}{ \insrsid11949495\charrsid3564520 . \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11949495\charrsid3564520 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iii)\tab}Banana plants damaged during another trespass also \endash shs600,000/= during another trespass }{\insrsid3496448\charrsid3564520 also during November 1999.}{ \insrsid11949495\charrsid3564520 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid3496448\charrsid3564520 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iv)\tab}}{\insrsid3496448\charrsid3564520 Value of would be calf \endash Shs330,000/=. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid3496448 \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid3496448 In essence this is a claim for special damages and as such must not only be specifically pleaded but must also be strictly proved. See }{\fs28\ul\insrsid3496448\charrsid5661033 Kyambadde V/S Mpigi District Administration (1983) HCB 44, }{ \fs28\ul\insrsid14038349\charrsid5661033 Asuman Mutekanga V/S }{\fs28\ul\insrsid3496448\charrsid5661033 Equator}{\fs28\ul\insrsid14038349\charrsid5661033 Growers (U) Ltd S. C. C. A No: 7 of 1995}{\fs28\insrsid14038349 .}{\fs28\insrsid3496448 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14038349 As for the trespass allegedly communicated in July 1998 I have already uph}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 e}{ \fs28\insrsid14038349 ld the learned Chief Magistrate}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 \rquote s}{\fs28\insrsid14038349 finding that the appellant failed on the a balance of probabilities to prove the alleged acts of trespass. Consequently, the appellant could not recover any damages, special or general, alleged to have resulted there}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 from}{\fs28\insrsid14038349 . \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid14038349 In his testimony the appellant stated that during the November 1999 trespass the }{\fs28\insrsid5661033 Respondent \rquote s cows}{\fs28\insrsid14038349 destroyed his banana plantation, broke a bridge on his farm, consumed his improved pasture which had special legumes for exotic cattle. Both John Kasaija and Johnson Kasanda testified that the Respondent\rquote s cows broke the }{\fs28\insrsid5661033 fence passed}{\fs28\insrsid12323158 through the appellant\rquote s banana plantation and entered the farm. Johnson Kaganda stated in his evidence that the cows destroyed the banana plantation, drunk water in the water troughs and ate salt. John Kasaija only talked about the bridge during cross-examination when the s tated: \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid12323158 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri397\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin397\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid12323158 \'93N}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 ormal}{\fs28\insrsid12323158 ly the plaintiff}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 \rquote s}{ \fs28\insrsid12323158 cows pass the bridge, which was broken \'85\'85. When the worker came he found the cows had broken the bridge.\'94 \par \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid12323158 Similarly John Kaganda only talked }{\fs28\insrsid3564520 a}{\fs28\insrsid12323158 bout the bridge during cross-examination when he stated:- \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid1508762 \'93 The cows used to use a bridg}{\fs28\insrsid11670869 e for a long time. The cows \par of }{\fs28\insrsid1508762 Mujwisa damaged Basaliza\rquote s bridge. The cows broke the bridge because they came mating while passing the bridge. I found when the cows had passed the bridge, they had just passed you could tell by the hoof marks\'94}{ \fs28\insrsid12323158 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1508762 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid10682945 Michael}{\fs28\insrsid1508762 Busingye testified that he was an Assistant Veterinary Officer holding a Diploma in Animal Husbandry from Bukalasa }{\fs28\insrsid10682945 Agricultural}{\fs28\insrsid1508762 College}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 , }{\fs28\insrsid1508762 1995, an attendant certificate from Tororo DFI covering crop Husbandry 1995 and a }{\fs28\insrsid10682945 Certificate in Artificial Insemination from Entebbe Veterinary Institute 1998. }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 I w}{\fs28\insrsid10682945 as in charge of overseeing animal husbandry and }{\fs28\insrsid11033036 fish}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 }{\fs28\insrsid11033036 f}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 arming}{\fs28\insrsid11033036 in Hakibale sub-county. That on 27}{ \fs28\super\insrsid11033036\charrsid11033036 th}{\fs28\insrsid11033036 November 1999 in the presence of the LCI Chairman he visited the appellant\rquote s farm with instructions to assess the damage caused on the farm b y straying animals. The witness tendered in evidence two reports both dated 27th November}{\fs28\insrsid10682945 }{\fs28\insrsid11033036 1999. In his report three acres of banana plantation had been damaged and he put the damage at Shs 600,000/= There was a broken bridge but no value was put on it. In the other repo}{\fs28\insrsid2364171 r}{\fs28\insrsid11033036 t the witness }{ \fs28\insrsid8280536 indicated that}{\fs28\insrsid2364171 4.0 acres of }{\fs28\insrsid14249432 paddock}{\fs28\insrsid2364171 with improved pasture had been over grazed. The area was explained as the area where the appellant had held the straying cattle for between eight to twelve hours. The damage caused by the }{\fs28\insrsid14249432 overgrazing was put at shs.1,200,000/=. In both reports the witness stated that he had estimated the value on the basis of the Area }{\fs28\insrsid3564520 C}{\fs28\insrsid14249432 ompensation Committee Meeting of 27}{ \fs28\super\insrsid14249432\charrsid14249432 th}{\fs28\insrsid14249432 February 1996. The resolution or minutes of this meeting were not produced in evidence so as to guide court on how the estimates were arrived at by the witness. Though }{ \fs28\insrsid3564520 this witness stated that the L. C}{\fs28\insrsid14249432 . I chairman, Leo}{\fs28\insrsid201391 n}{\fs28\insrsid14249432 ard Rwaheru was present when he}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 was carrying out the valuation. All}{\fs28\insrsid14249432 that Leonard stated in his testimony about the }{\fs28\insrsid201391 grass and banana plantation was:}{\fs28\insrsid1508762 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid201391 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid201391 \'93--- The farm is covered with grass, I saw grass.---- \par The following morning I was called after the Veterinary Officer had come -- I met t}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 h}{\fs28\insrsid201391 em in the banana plantation when they were coming back. ----- \par On the 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid201391\charrsid201391 st}{\fs28\insrsid201391 day when I was called, we briefly went around}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 ,}{\fs28\insrsid201391 the cows had excreted in the farm. ---\'93 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid201391 This witness does not talk about any damaged bridge, banana plantation or pasture. In }{ \fs28\ul\insrsid6764492\charrsid6764492 Yosefu Kashongoize V/S Chin}{\fs28\ul\insrsid3564520 a}{\fs28\ul\insrsid6764492\charrsid6764492 Sickman Corporation (1995) IKALR 64}{\fs28\insrsid6764492\charrsid1792385 }{\fs28\insrsid6764492\charrsid6764492 the plaintiff claimed compensation for soil excavated from his land}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 as}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 murram}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 Justice A}{\fs28\insrsid3564520 N}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 Karohora held}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 :-}{ \fs28\insrsid201391 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6764492 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid6764492 \'93 As regards soil which was removed, I must state that this item was not proved on the balance of probabilities. It was not enough to write down particulars and so to speak, to throw them }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 at the}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 head of court, saying this is what }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 I }{\fs28\insrsid6764492 have }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 l}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 ost. I ask you to give these damages. They have to be proved. See }{\fs28\ul\insrsid13042654 Boham}{ \fs28\ul\insrsid6764492\charrsid6764492 Carter V/S Hyde Park Hotel (1994) 64 TLR 178}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 . The }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 onus}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 of proof was }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 on }{\fs28\insrsid6764492 the pl aintiff to prove by calling quantity surveyors to tell how much }{\fs28\insrsid13042654 soil in cubic meters had been removed and costs of each cubic meters but there was no such evidence. In the circumstances th}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 is}{ \fs28\insrsid13042654 head of claim for damages would fail.\'94}{\fs28\insrsid6764492 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid13042654 \par }\pard \qj \fi454\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid13042654 In the instant case the formula used to assess the lost was not availed to court. The evidence of the Assistant } {\fs28\insrsid8395842 Veterinary Officer contradicted that of the other plaintiffs witness, particularly that of the L. C. I. Chairman who never testified about the damage to a bridge, banan a plantation or pasture. I find that the learned Chief Magistrate came to the right conclusion when h}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 e}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 found that the appellant had on the balance probabilities failed to prove his claim on the above three items. }{\fs28\insrsid6189466 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8395842 Before I take leave of }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 the claim}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 relating to the banana plantation and the pasture I must point out that though the learned Chief Magistrate came to }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 the right}{ \fs28\insrsid8395842 conclusion considering the evidence on record, his Worship largely base}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 d}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 his conclusion on his findings at the locus. The court record shows that Court visited the locus on 1}{ \fs28\super\insrsid8395842\charrsid8395842 st}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 August 2002 and the proceedings were recorded as follows: \par }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \par }\pard \qj \li454\ri454\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin454\lin454\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid8395842 \'93}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 A}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 Locus \par 1.8. 2002 \par Both parties present \par Both Advocates present \par Mr. Kihumuro \endash interpreter}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8395842 Court}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 :}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 We were shown the pla}{\fs28\insrsid14950837 i}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 ntiffs farm land. \endash The pastu}{\fs28\insrsid14950837 r}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 e can not be said to be improved when it is covered with }{\fs28\insrsid14950837 \lquote }{\fs28\insrsid8395842 Teete}{\fs28\insrsid14950837 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid8876983 grass which is very old. The plaintiff is clearing it now. We did not see salt troughs. There is a water trough and not damaged. The wooden bridge is intact. Plaintiff says he repaired it after the damage.\'94}{\fs28\insrsid8395842 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8876983 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid8876983 The learned Chief Magistrate drew two sketch plans. \par The purpose of visiting the locus i}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 n}{\fs28\insrsid8876983 quo is for each party to indicate what he is claiming Each party must testify on oath and be cross examined by the opposite party. The purpose is for the witness who have already testified in court to clarify what they were stating in court and to indicate features and boundary marks, if any t}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 o}{\fs28\insrsid8876983 the court. Any observation made or noted by the court at the locus in quo must be noted and recorded and must form part of the record. See }{\fs28\ul\insrsid8876983\charrsid11952025 J. W. }{\fs28\ul\insrsid3239424 O}{ \fs28\ul\insrsid8876983\charrsid11952025 nonge V/S Okallang (1986) HCB 63, Eruka}{\fs28\ul\insrsid11952025 n}{\fs28\ul\insrsid8876983\charrsid11952025 a Jawanga}{\fs28\ul\insrsid3239424 r}{\fs28\ul\insrsid8876983\charrsid11952025 a V/S }{ \fs28\ul\insrsid11952025\charrsid11952025 Anderea Obbo \endash Ogolla (1976) HCB 31}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 . Save for observations of court the record does not show any testimony by any of th}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 e}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 witnesses at the locus in quo. In }{\fs28\ul\insrsid11952025\charrsid11952025 Badiru Kabalega V/S Sepiriano Mugangu (1992) 11 KALR 110}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 it was held that }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 if}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 the trial Court fails to follow the accepted procedure at the locus in quo and bases its judgment on the trial at the locus in quo, that omission is fatal to the whole trial. \par }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1792385 {\fs28\insrsid11952025 In }{\fs28\ul\insrsid11952025\charrsid11952025 Yase}{\fs28\ul\insrsid3239424 r}{ \fs28\ul\insrsid11952025\charrsid11952025 i Waibi V/S Edisa Lusi Byandala (1982) HCB 28}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 Justice Manyindo held that the usual practice of visiting the locus in quo is to check on the evidence given by witnesses and not to fill gaps for the}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 n}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 the trial magistrate may run the }{ \fs28\insrsid3239424 risk}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 of making himself a witness in the case. Such situation must be avoided.}{\fs28\insrsid8876983 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid11952025 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16543322 {\fs28\insrsid11952025 That being the position}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 }{\fs28\insrsid11952025 of }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 t}{ \fs28\insrsid11952025 he law as regards evidence at the locus in quo, in the instant case the alleged acts of trespass were committed in July 1998 and November 1999. The locus was visited on 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid11952025\charrsid11952025 st}{ \fs28\insrsid11952025 August 2002. }{\fs28\insrsid12261978 W}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 ith lapse of time a lot must have cha}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 n}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 ged at the locus. There was no dispute over boundaries. The visit to the locus was in the circumstances a useless exercise. This case could have been decided}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 without visiting the locus. Without b asing himself on his findings at the locus, the learned Chief Magistrate would have pr}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 o}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 pe}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 r}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 ly come to the same decisions on a proper evaluation and security of the evidence which was already available to him on record.}{\fs28\insrsid11952025 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid12261978 The appellant also claimed for Shs330,000/= being the value of an would be calf. In his report of 27}{\fs28\super\insrsid12261978\charrsid12261978 th}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 November, 1999 the Assistant Veterinary Officer stated that when he visited the appellants farm that day he saw one cross breed bull of breeding age te}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 thered}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 by a rope to a tree, that he a lso looked over several cows belonging to the appellant and observed that }{\fs28\insrsid5463902 one had dried m}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 ucal}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 discharge as fr}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 o}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 m }{\fs28\insrsid3239424 natural}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 breeding. In his report of 10}{\fs28\super\insrsid5463902\charrsid5463902 th}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 December 1999 the officer stated that on that day he had checked the appellants cow for a retained pla centa. That he found the cow had aborted on 6}{\fs28\super\insrsid5463902\charrsid5463902 th}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 December 1999, the foetus was between 4 to 5 months ol}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 d}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 and the cause could have been due to forced mounting of a bull. In cross examination the witness explained that by \'93natural breeding\'94 in his report he meant a bull mounting a cow. The witness said that he did not see all of the appellant\rquote s cows that day and that he did not see the appellant\rquote s bull. The witness stated that he did not know when the bull mounted the appellant\rquote s cow.}{\fs28\insrsid12261978 \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid5463902 The issue is whether on the material day of the trespass this cow had been mounted by the Respondent\rquote s bull. Did any witness see the mounting and }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 identify}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 the bull? John Kasaija stated that the Respondents bull also mounted the appellant}{\fs28\insrsid1181085 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid5463902 s cows which had a miscarriage. He said that he saw the Respondent\rquote s }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 bull mounting the appellant\rquote s cow. However, this witness while being cross examined contradicted himself when he said that he did not bother to keep looking at the cows and when he said that he saw the bull after it had mounted the cow. This puts doubt to his testimony on whether he actually s}{\fs28\insrsid3239424 aw}{\fs28\insrsid1181085 the appellant\rquote s cow being mounted by the respondent\rquote s bull.}{\fs28\insrsid5463902 \par }{\fs28\insrsid8590262 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 John Kaganda stated that there was a bull which mounted the appellant}{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \rquote }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 s cows which were pregnant. In cross examinati on he stated that the cows broke the bridge because they came mating while passing the bridge. Yet he goes on to say that he had found when the cows had passed the bridge. Therefore this witness could not have seen the cows mating as they passed the bri dge. \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 There was no evidence to show that the appellant did not have a bull on his farm so as to exclude any other bull from being responsible for the mating which could have resulted into the abortion. The appellant failed }{ \fs28\insrsid6498128 on}{\fs28\insrsid1181085 a balance of probabilities to prove that the abortion was a result of his cow having been mounted by the respondent\rquote s bull. That put aside, the appellant did not adduce any evidence to show how he had arrived at the value of the would have been calf. It is trite that special damages }{\fs28\insrsid13399160 must be strictly proved. Therefore}{\fs28\insrsid6498128 t} {\fs28\insrsid13399160 he learned Chief Magistrate came to the right conclusion when he dismissed the appellant\rquote s claim under this item. }{\fs28\insrsid1181085 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \par }{\fs28\insrsid13399160 In his final judgment the learned Chief Magistrate found that there was no proved trespass on both occasions and dismissed the appellant\rquote s claim. I have already upheld the learned Chief Magistrate finding with regard to the alleged trespass of July 1998. I have however found that the Respondent\rquote s cattle in November 1999 trespassed onto the appellant\rquote s fa rm. In his pleadings the appellant had prayed for general damages and interest thereon at 60% from the date of cause of action until payment in full. \par }{\fs28\insrsid16543322 \par }{\fs28\insrsid13399160 As a general principle damages in t}{\fs28\insrsid6498128 ort}{\fs28\insrsid13399160 }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 are}{\fs28\insrsid13399160 }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 compensatory}{\fs28\insrsid13399160 in nature. A party who suffers damages due to the wrongful act of the other }{\fs28\insrsid2980983 must be}{\fs28\insrsid13399160 put in the position he would have been had he not suffered the wrong.}{\fs28\insrsid9200618 The appellant was entitled }{ \fs28\insrsid2129155 to the}{\fs28\insrsid6519894 exclusive use of his farm and pasture thereat by his cattle. His right was interfered with when the Respondent\rquote s cattle was left un attended }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 which}{\fs28\insrsid6519894 enabled }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 it }{\fs28\insrsid6519894 to break the barbed wire fence between the appellant\rquote s fa}{\fs28\insrsid151264 r}{\fs28\insrsid6519894 m and that of the respondent}{\fs28\insrsid151264 , and while }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 on the appellant\rquote s farm }{\fs28\insrsid151264 intermingle with his cows and inevitably feed on pasture intended for only the appellants herd. The appellant was in the circumstance entitled }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 to }{\fs28\insrsid151264 reasonable compensation for the damage and inconvenience suffered. At the court below the appellant had prayed for general damages of Shs6,000,000/=. However this was in respect of trespass on the two incidents. This Court\rquote s finding is that the appellant adduced evidence to prove only one incident that is of November 1999. In the circumstances }{\fs28\insrsid6498128 I}{\fs28\insrsid151264 find that general damages of }{\fs28\insrsid4155148 S}{\fs28\insrsid151264 hs2,500,000/= is reasonable and the appellant is awarded the same. The appellant\rquote s entitlement to that money has only arisen upon the pronouncement of this judgment. The appellant is therefore awarded interest at the rate 25% per annum from the date of this judgment until payment is full. }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \par \par \par }{\fs28\insrsid151264 The appellant is awarded costs for the proceedings before this court and the court below. I so order.}{\fs28\insrsid13399160 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8395842 {\fs28\insrsid151264 \par \par }{\fs28\insrsid2778881 \par }{\fs28\insrsid1792385 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid151264 {\fs28\insrsid151264 Lameck N. Mukasa \par Judge \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8395842 {\caps\fs28\insrsid151264\charrsid6189466 \par }}