[1995] UGHC 3

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f248\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f249\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f251\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f252\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f253\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f254\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f255\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f256\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; 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\rsid1733768\rsid2163368\rsid3214462\rsid3557468\rsid4461604\rsid4998504\rsid5973387\rsid6886704\rsid7145194\rsid7156753\rsid7742562\rsid8129122\rsid8931414\rsid11612655\rsid12267436\rsid13972739 \rsid14240391\rsid14557619\rsid15693936\rsid16324873\rsid16522878\rsid16653715}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title THE iLIC OF :UGANDA }{\author DELL}{\operator skivumbi}{\creatim\yr2009\mo10\dy29\hr13\min53} {\revtim\yr2009\mo11\dy6\hr13\min28}{\version12}{\edmins133}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords1376}{\nofchars7847}{\nofcharsws9205}{\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin \dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot8931414\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\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 \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14240391 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 THE }{ \b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 REPUBLIC OF }{\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 UGANDA }{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \line }{\b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 IN THE}{\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 HIGH}{\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 COURT UGANDA AT KAMPA}{\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 LA.}{\b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 \par CIVIL SUIT NO.1040 0F 1990 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14240391 {\b\insrsid3214462\charrsid5973387 GLORIOUS}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 TRANSP}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ORT CO. }{\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 (1977) LTD::::::::::::::::::::::::::::PLAINTIFF \par }\pard \s15\qj \li3600\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin3600\itap0\pararsid4998504 {\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 VERSUS \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14240391 {\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 ATTORNEY GENERAL:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::DEFENDANT}{ \b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \line }{\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 \par BEFORE: }{\b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 THE HON. MR. JUSTICE G. M. OKELLO \par }{\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\b\ul\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 RULING }{\b\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14240391 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 The Pl}{\insrsid14240391\charrsid5973387 aintiff is a limited liability com}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 pany }{\insrsid11612655\charrsid5973387 incorporated in}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Uganda where it}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid11612655\charrsid5973387 carried on business }{ \insrsid16522878\charrsid5973387 of transport}{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 . Its}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 claim against the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 defendant was in detinue and/or conversi}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 on and the Plaintiff }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 sought}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 to recover his }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 motor vehicle from the defendant as}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 well}{ \b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 as general and exemplary damages. The}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 Plaintiff}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 alleged in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 his plaint that,}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6886704 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \'934 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 -}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 \tab }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 At}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 all material time}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 s }{ \insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 the Plaintif}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 f was and still is the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 benefic}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ia}{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 l owner }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of a Fiat Lorry}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 Reg. No. UWH}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 048 which was in his possession. }{\b\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 5}{\b\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 -}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 \tab (a) In or around early 1986, the National }{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Resistance}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 army (NRA) wrong}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 fully removed the said motor vehicle from the Plaintiff\rquote s \line possession and control and equally wrongfully and }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 for}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 cefully retained possession thereof}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 against the Plaintiff \rquote s wish. To date the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 said vehicle has }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 not bee}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n returned to the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Plaintiff and it has }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 now been reduce}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d to scrap. }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6886704 {\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 (b) The said}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 NRA have since then been using the said vehicle for their diverse}{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 operations in the or}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 dinary course of their duties as an army of the Government of Uganda and as such the defendant }{ \insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 is liable for their}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 acts}{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 . \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6886704 {\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 6-\tab Inspite}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of repeated demands }{ \insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 by}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the plaintiff, the }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 defendant\rquote s sai}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 a}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 gents have refused}{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 ,}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid6886704\charrsid5973387 neglected and/o}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 r failed to return }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 the said ve}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 hicle or to pay its replacement }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 value.\'94}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733768 {\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 On the above alleged facts, the plaintiff sought the following remedies \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8931414 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (a) the value }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 of the plaintiff\rquote s vehicle.\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab (b) General Damages for:- \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1733768 {\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 (i) Conversion and/or Detinue \par (ii) Loss of business \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8931414 {\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 (c) Exemplary damages. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (d) Costs of }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 the suit and \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid1733768 {\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 (e) Interest on the decretal amount at a Ban}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 k }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 rate of 50% }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 from the date of }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 filing }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the }{\insrsid1733768\charrsid5973387 suit till payment in full. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8931414 {\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 I}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n their W. S. D. the defendant den}{ \insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 ied that the defendant\rquote s servant}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 unlawfully size}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d and detained the Plaintiff\rquote s motor vehicle In the alternative, the defendant pleaded that if the }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 defendant\rquote }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 s servants seized the Plaintiff\rquote s vehicle which they deny, the }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 servan}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ts were not }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 acting}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 in the course of their }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 employment. Conseque}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n}{ \insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 t}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ly the }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 defendant denied liabil}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ity.}{\b\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 \par }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 Following}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 above pleadings, the fol}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 lowin}{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 g}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 i}{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 ssues were frame}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d at }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 the commencement of the hearing fo}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 r }{ \insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 determination of the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 court}{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 :-}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi-540\li540\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin540\itap0\pararsid7145194 {\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 (1) Whether the Plaintiff }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 Company}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 is the owner of the said \line v}{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 ehicle.}{\b\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (2) }{\insrsid12267436\charrsid5973387 Whether}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 said suit }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 vehicle}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 is lost to the defendant. }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8931414 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (3) }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 What}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 remedies}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 if any }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 are available}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 to the plaintiff.}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\b\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387

\par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 The }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 Plaintiff called}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the evidence of }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 five}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 witnesses }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . The defendant called }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 no witness despite se}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 veral adj}{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 o}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 urnments }{ \insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 which were}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 granted to it at its instance for the }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 purpose. Finally Miss ZamZam}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Nan}{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 g}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 usa told court that she was calling no evidence and that the case should proceed to submission. Both Counsel }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 agreed to submit}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 written submissions which I directed o}{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 ug}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ht }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 to have bee}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n submitted to court by 26/5/95. Counsel for the plaintiff }{ \insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 submitted}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 his written submission by }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 the appointed date.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Miss Nangusa however did not and by 4/7/95 when I sat to write this jud}{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 gme}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 nt no such }{\insrsid7145194\charrsid5973387 submission had been received. I have therefore decided to dispense with her submission. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 On whether the Plaintiff }{\insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 Company}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 is the}{\insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 owner of the suit vehicle, Mr. Oki}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 di contended fo}{\insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 r the Plaintiff in the affirmative.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 In support be relied o}{\insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 n the evidence of PWI, P}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 W2, PW3 }{ \insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 and}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 PW5 He also relied on }{\insrsid8129122\charrsid5973387 Exhibit P3 and P1. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 The evidence }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 of PW1 was to the effect that he}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 was the driver of the s}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 a id Lorry which according to him belonged to the Plaintiff Company}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . This }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 evidence}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 was supported by the }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 testimony of Benjamin Ojara (PW}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 2) who was the }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 M}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 anaging Director of the Plaintiff }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Company. }{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 According to Oj}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 a}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ra, his c}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 ompany}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 bought thi}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 s vehicle in 1977 when it was new but later mortgaged}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 it to National Industrial Credit for a loan. Later, }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 loan was cleared and the mortgage was lifted on the lorry. That evidence was further }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 corroborated by the testimony of I}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 sa }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Ma}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 le (PW3) the Managing }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Director}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of High Way C ar Dealer and Hire purchase Co. Ltd. whose evidence was that his company had financed the purchase of the vehicle for the plaintiff Co. on a hire purchase terms. When the Plaintiff cleared the hire purcha}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 se loan on the vehicle, his company ceased}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 to have any interest }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 in the lorry. This e}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 v}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 idence was con}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 firmed by }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 the }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 testimony of }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Proscov}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ia }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Nama}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 tovu }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 (PW}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 5) who was }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Office}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Manager of High Way Car Dealers}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 and Hire purchase Company Ltd. She reiterated that her company no longer had }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 interest in the lorry. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 It is quite plain from the abo}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 ve evidence that the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 p}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 laintiff }{ \insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 company was the owner of the said}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 lorry. Issue No. 1 is therefore answered in th}{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 e affirmative. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 As to whether the suit vehicle was lost to }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 the Defendant, Mr.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 Okid}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 i again }{ \insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 contended}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 for the Plaintiff in }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid13972739\charrsid5973387 affirmative. In support he}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 relied on the evidence of PW1 who was the driver of the motor }{\insrsid7742562\charrsid5973387 Lorry. \par According to PW1}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 , on 16/11/85 he had gone in the vehicle to }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 Mityana in a business trip. He went to collect produce. While he was at a petrol station in Mitya na soldiers of the NRA seized the motor vehicle and }{\insrsid3214462\charrsid5973387 commandeered}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 it for their operations. He}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 testified}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 that }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 he was himself force}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d to stay}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 to}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 drive the vehicle }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 whe}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 re over those soldiers }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 required for}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 their }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 duties. He was ke}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 pt by them until 12/1/86 when}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 they we}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 re only 8 miles}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 from }{ \insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 Kampala}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 that these}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 soldiers allowed him to go }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 leaving}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the }{ \insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 lorry}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 with th}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 em}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 This }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 evidence }{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 was }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 supported}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 by the testimony of Benjamin Ojara }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 P}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 W2 the }{ \insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 M/D}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of the }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 Plaintiff}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Company }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 whose evidence}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 was that since}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 1985}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 when }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 PW1}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 went with the lorr} {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 y }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 o}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n a business trip to Mityana the lorry never }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 returned. He}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 neve}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 r saw th}{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 e lorry again. \par I}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 t is clear from the}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 above }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 evidence}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 that the lorry was lost to the }{ \insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 soldiers of the N. R}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . A. There was no }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 contrary evidence}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 I found}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 those witnesses }{\insrsid2163368\charrsid5973387 truthful a}{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 s they gave}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 their evidence}{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 forthrightly. I therefore believe}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 them an}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 d find as a fact \line that }{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 lorry was lost }{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 to the N. R. A}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . This answers issue No}{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 .2}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 also in the affirmative.

\par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 The next }{\insrsid14557619\charrsid5973387 question then is whether the defendant is liable for those acts of NRA soldiers.}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 \par Mr. Oki}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 di contended f}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 or the Plaintiff that the defendan}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 t was liable because the tort}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 was so proximate to the N. R. A \rquote s assumption}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of powers th}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 at it would not be easy to isolate the tort from being pa}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 rt and parcel of continuation of }{ \insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 operations}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 subsequent}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 upon or incidental to the said assumption}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 of powers of Government by N. R. A. He relied}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 o}{\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 n }{\ul\insrsid16653715\charrsid5973387 Freku Enterprises Ltd}{\ul\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 }{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . Vs. Th}{\ul\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 e A}{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . G }{\ul\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 (1991) HCB 68}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 \par In this}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 case the }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 plaintiff\rquote s}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 shop goods we}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 re}{ \b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 removed by}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 soldiers of the NRA}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 on 2/2/86 from his shop}{ \b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 on NaKivubo Road.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 At }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 the trial the judge}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 considered}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 section}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 12 of the Legal Notice}{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 No.1 of 1986 amendment decree No.1 of 1987. This section attempted to give immunity to the government against tortuous acts}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of the soldiers during the continuation of the operations consequent or incidental to the said } {\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 assumption of powers of Government in the Exe}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 cution of their }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 duties}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 on 26/1/86. Upon that considerat}{ \insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 ion the Judge held that:\emdash \par }\pard \s15\qj \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3557468 {\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \'93From the inte}{\i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 rpretation of Decree No. 1 of 1987, }{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Government is not immune from being sued for }{\i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 torts committed}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 by soldiers during }{ \i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 the }{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 continuation of operations }{\i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 consequent}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 upon or incidental to }{\i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 the said assumption of }{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 powers of Government in the execution of their }{\i\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 duties on 26/1/86\'94. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3557468 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 In the }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 Judge\rquote s view, the}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 period between January }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 26th 19}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 86 and }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 when}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the alleged tort happened was }{ \insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 so proximate to the NRA\rquote s}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 assumption}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of power that it would not be easy to isolate the tort complained of from being part }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 a}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 nd }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 parcel}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of continuation of }{ \insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 operation}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 subsequent upon or incidental to the assumption of powers }{\insrsid3557468\charrsid5973387 of }{ \insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Government by NRA. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 In the }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 instant case}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 too, }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 tort was }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 committed by the NRA soldiers in the course of assumption of powers of government by NRA on }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 26/1/86 and they }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 continued}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 to use the vehicle }{ \insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 thereafter. This brings the case within the principle}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 in }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Freku Enterprises Ltd . Vs. A. G }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 above. For that }{ \insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 defendant is }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 liable. \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 On the issue of remedies, it is instructive to bear in mind that the action was}{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 brought in }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 detinue and/or conversion.

\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8931414 {\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Authorities available indicate that in action for } {\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 detinue}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 the value}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 of the property is assessed as at }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 the tim}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 e of Jud}{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 gment (See}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 vol. 38}{\b\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\ul\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Hal}{ \ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 sbury}{\ul\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 La}{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ws }{\ul\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 of England 3}{\ul\super\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 rd}{\ul\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Edn. Page 791 Paragraph 1317; UCB}{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 Vs. }{\ul\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Matiya Wasswa}{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . CA No. 6/82 unreported), }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \line In the }{ \insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 instant case, M}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 r. }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Mario}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 Tibabiganya}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid16324873\charrsid5973387 P}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 W4 a}{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 n export automobile assessor gave}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 a comparative assessment of }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 a}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 similar }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 vehicles i}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 n his view }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 the}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 average life span of a simil}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ar vehicle was 15 years.}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 The present vehicle was 8 years old. Had been regul}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 a}{ \insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 r}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ly }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 serviced}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 and}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 maintained}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 at the }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 time of seizure. The rem}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 aining life span was 7 years.}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 So he}{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 put}{\i\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 the replacement}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 value}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 at }{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 Ug. Shs.}{\insrsid3214462 42,000,000}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 /}{\insrsid4461604\charrsid5973387 = (E}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 xh. P1). \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 He also assessed loss of}{\b\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 earning which }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 he}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 put at }{\insrsid3214462 Ug. Shs.10}{ \insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 ,522,}{\insrsid3214462 000}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 /=.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 The}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 re was no contrary evidence and there was nothing to } {\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 indicate}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \line }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 tha}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 t the above }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 assessme}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 nt was }{ \insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 inhere}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ntly wron}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 g}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 . So I believe }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 them}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 and I all}{ \insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 ow the plaintiff the followings:- \par (1) Replaceme}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 nt v}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 a}{\insrsid3214462 lue of the vehicle Ug. Shs.42,000}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 ,}{\insrsid3214462 000}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 /= \par }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (2) Loss of earning }{\insrsid3214462 Ug. Shs.10}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 ,522,}{\insrsid3214462 000}{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 /=. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7156753 {\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 (3) Cost }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 of}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 the suit and interest }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 on decre}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 tal }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 am}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 ount at court rate. \line }{\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li5760\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid15693936 {\insrsid7156753\charrsid5973387 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{ \insrsid15693936\charrsid5973387 G. M.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 OKELLO \line }{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 JUDGE.}{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid15693936\charrsid5973387 }{\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 11/7/95}{\ul\insrsid8931414\charrsid5973387 \par }}