[2008] UGCA 14

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jchemeri}{\creatim\yr2009\mo2\dy2\hr12\min24}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy2\hr12\min24}{\printim\yr2007\mo12\dy21\hr9\min33}{\version2}{\edmins4}{\nofpages7}{\nofwords1477}{\nofchars8424} {\*\company Courts of Judicature}{\nofcharsws9882}{\vern24689}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701 \dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\nojkernpunct\rsidroot5661762 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10900133 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10900133 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10900133 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10900133 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod5\linex0\headery706\footery706\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid11354426 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid11170330 1}}}{\cs17\insrsid11354426 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11354426 \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\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par }{\b\fs28\insrsid3087909 \par }{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 HOLDEN AT KAMPALA \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par }{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 CORAM:\tab HON. LADY JUSTICE A. E. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA \par \tab \tab HON. MR. JUSTICE S. G. ENGWAU, JA \par \tab \tab HON. LADY JUSTICE C. N. B. KITUMBA,JA \par }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard\plain \s2\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid10962477 CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 75 OF 2004 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 BETWEEN \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 HON. FRANCIS MUKAMA ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: APPLICANT \par \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 AND \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 UGANDA WILD LIFE AUTHORITY ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RESPONDENT \par \par }{\i\insrsid10962477 (Arising from Civil Appeal No. 78 of 2004 between Uganda Wild Life Authority, appellant and Hon. Francis Mukama, respondent). \par \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs28\ul\insrsid10962477 RULING OF THE COURT}{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 . \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 This application is brought under rules 43,}{\fs28\insrsid11354426 }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 76 and 82 of the Rules of this Court. It seeks for an order of this Court to strike out the Notice of Appeal dated 30}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 April, 2004 which was lodged in the High Court on the 4}{ \fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 arising from H. C. C. S. No. 290 of 2002 whose judgment was delivered on the 30}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 April 2004. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par The grounds of the application are: \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid10962477 \hich\af1\dbch\af0\loch\f1 1.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx360{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 THAT, the notice of appeal was not served on the \par }\pard \qj \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 applicant/respondent or his counsel within the requisite time. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid10962477 \hich\af1\dbch\af0\loch\f1 2.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx360{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 THAT, the respondent /applicant has failed to comply with an essential step in the proceedings within the prescribed time. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid10962477 \hich\af1\dbch\af0\loch\f1 3.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx360{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 THAT, it is fair and equitable in the circumstances that the notice of appeal is struck out with costs. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par This application is supported by the affidavit of Ms Lydia Nakamalira deponed to on the 8}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June 2004. It is to the effect that the applicant was the successful plaintiff in High Court Civil Suit No. 290 of 2002 in which the respondent was the defendant. Judgment was delivered on the 30}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 April, 2004. The respondent filed a notice of appeal against the decision of the High Court on the 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 but did not serve a copy of the same to the applicant or to his counsel within the requisite time. \par \par On the 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004, however, counsel for the respondent then served counsel for the applicant with Miscellaneous Application No. 399 of 2004 for staying execution of the judgment and decree in H. C. C. S NO. 290 of 2002. When counsel for the applicant read through the application he fo und that among the documents annexed thereto were the Notice of Appeal dated 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 plus a letter requesting for proceedings from the High Court. \par \par Counsel for applicant thereafter carried out a search at the Court Registry and confirmed that the Notice of Appeal had been lodged on the 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 without court granting leave to the respondent for extension of time within which to serve the notice nor had the respondent applied for such extension. In the circumstances, counsel for the applicant filed this application to strike out the Notice of Appeal. \par \par Mr. Magala pointed out that in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the affidavit in reply deponed to on 15}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 March, 2006 by Douglas Misango, indicate that he received notice of appeal and letter requesting for proce edings on the 5}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 and he served both documents on counsel for applicant on the same day though service for notice of appeal was not accepted. In his affidavit in rejoinder dated 18}{ \fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 April, 2006, Mr. Enoth Mugabi stated in paragraph 5 thereof that he received a stamped copy of the letter on the 3}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 rd}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 but notice of appeal was received on 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June 2004. \par \par From the aforesaid circumstances, Mr. Magala submitted that the burden of proof is on the intended appellant to establish service by sweari ng an affidavit of service. He pointed out that according to rule 78(1) of the Rules of this Court, an intended appellant must before or within seven days after lodging the notice of appeal serve it on all persons directly affected by the appeal. Counsel argued that the applicant was such a person directly affected by the intended appeal. \par \par As there is no proof of service, counsel pointed out that the applicant was served on 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004 whereas the notice of appeal was filed on 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. In his view, that was a considerable lapse of time in violation of the provision of rule 78 (1) of the Rules of this Court. In the premises, counsel contended that the notice of appeal is incompetent because it was served out of time. It should, therefore, be struck out with costs. In support of his argument, counsel cited and relied on the case of }{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 Francis Mutabazi & 3 others Vs Horizon Coaches Ltd, Civil Application No. 97 of 2000 (unreported). \par }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par In his response, Dr. Byamugisha opposed the application. According to counsel, the burden of proof lies squarely on the applicant to show he or she was not served. In counsel\rquote s view, the Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules) Directions, S. I. 13-10, do not require a party that has filed a notice of appeal to swear an affidavit of s ervice that it has served the notice of appeal. According to counsel, the practice is that notice of appeal is filed and a party requests for record of proceedings. In his view, until, a memorandum of appeal is filed it is when notice of appeal and a lett er requesting for proceedings are required. \par \par In his analysis to establish that the applicant was served with notice of appeal, Dr. Byamugisha referred to the affidavit in support of notice of motion deponed to by Ms Lydia Nakamalira, dated 8}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004. In paragraph 3 of that affidavit, it was stated }{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 \'93THAT on the 5}{\b\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 day of May 2004 Ms Mugerwa & Masembe Advocates served upon us a copy of a letter to the High Court Registrar, expressing their intention to appeal against the aforementioned judgment. (A copy of the letter is attached hereto and marked \'93 (Annexture "B:)\'94. \par }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par Looking at letter \'93B\'94, Dr. Byamugisha pointed out that Ms Kituuma-Magala & Co. Advocates, now counsel for the applicant, actually received that letter on 3}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 rd}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004, according to a stamp o f the firm. Counsel further pointed out that an observation of notice of appeal, marked \'93C2\'94 reveals that counsel for applicant received it on the 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004. This was because, Douglas Misango, in his affidavit in reply, stated in 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 paragraph theret o that Ms Kituuma-Magala & Co. Advocates acknowledged service of the letter requesting for proceedings by stamping it but omitted to stamp the notice of appeal which Mr. Kituuma told the deponent to collect later. However, in paragraphs 4 and 5 of his aff idavit in reply, Douglas Misango deponed that documents marked \'93A\'94 (Notice of Appeal) and \'93B\'94 (Letter requesting for proceedings) were served on 5}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. \par \par In the circumstances, therefore, it was the contention of Dr. Byamugisha that the respondent has proved that the applicant was served with both the notice of appeal and a letter requesting for proceedings. Having complied with legal requirements, Dr. Byamugisha prayed for the dismissal of this application with costs. \par \par It is clear from the notice of appeal and letter requesting for a typed copy of proceedings that both documents attached and marked \'93A\'94 and \'93B\'94 respectively, were filed in court on the 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. This evidence is in the affidavit in reply by Douglas Misango deponed to on 15}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 March, 2006. Mr Misango then served both documents on Ms Kituuma-Magala & Co. Advocates, counsel for applicant, on 5}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. One day after lodging the same documents in court. \par \par Mr. Douglas Misango stated in his affidavit that counsel for the applicant then stamped the letter requesting for proceedings. This information is true according to annexture \'93C2\'94. Ms Kituuma-Magala & CO. Advocates received that letter on 5}{ \fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. On that day, according to Douglas Misango, counsel for the applicant omitted to stamp the notice of appeal and asked him to collect it later. \par \par According to Douglas Misango, he went on numerous occasions to M/s Kituumma-Magala & Co. Advocates to collect a stamped copy of the notice of appeal but in vain. It was, however, stamped on 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 Ju ne, 2004 according to Annexture \'93C1\'94. In our view, it is more probable than not that counsel for applicant were served with the notice of appeal on 5}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 rather than on 1}{ \fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004. We hold so because applicant\rquote s counsel omitted to stamp the notice of appeal on 5}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004 and asked Douglas Misango to collect it later. We find that explanation plausible and we accept it because the notice of appeal was stamped belatedly by counsel for applicant on 1}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 st}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 June, 2004. \par We further find that the letter requesting a typed copy of proceedings (Annexture \'93B\'94) was not served on M/S Kituuma-Magala & Co Advocates on 3rd May}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 , }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 2004. It is inconceivable that it was served on that day before the same was filed and received in court on 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. We, therefore , find the affidavit in rejoinder sworn by Enoth Mugabi, in paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 thereto untruthful. \par \par In the premises, we agree with Dr. Byamugisha that the respondent has proved that applicant\rquote s counsel were served with both the notice of appeal and a le tter requesting for proceedings within the prescribed time. This was one day after both documents were filed in court on 4}{\fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. Having complied with legal requirement under rule 78 (1) of the Rules of this court, we are unable to strike the notice of appeal. Rule 78(1) states: \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid10962477 \'93 78(1). An intended appellant shall, before or within seven days after lodging notice of appeal, serve copies of it on all persons directly affected by the appeal, but the court may, on application, which may be made, ex par te, direct that service need not be affected on any person who took no part in the proceedings in the High Court\'94. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par It is clear to us that, the applicant was such a person directly affected by the appeal. Service of the notice of appeal was effected on counsel for the applicant before or within seven days after lodging notice of appeal on 4}{ \fs28\super\insrsid10962477 th}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 May, 2004. In the circumstances, an order to strike the notice of appeal is unsustainable. \par \par In the result, we dismiss this application with costs to the respondent, dated at Kampla this \'85}{\fs28\insrsid5661762 15}{\fs28\super\insrsid5661762\charrsid5661762 th}{\fs28\insrsid5661762 }{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \'85\'85.. day of \'85}{ \fs28\insrsid5661762 January}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \'85\'85 200}{\fs28\insrsid15296369 8}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par \par \par }{\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par S. G. ENGWAU \par }\pard\plain \s3\qj \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid10962477 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f1\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs28\insrsid10962477 \par \par \par C. N. B. KITUMBA \par JUSTICE OF}{\fs28\insrsid10962477 APPEAL \par }}