[2000] UGSC 23

{\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; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{ \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid6505074 Normal (Web);}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid347732 footer;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid347732 page number;}} {\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid2055350334\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid342525668 \'02\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\i0\fbias0 \fi-360\li420\jclisttab\tx420\lin420 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807577\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;} \fi-360\li1140\jclisttab\tx1140\lin1140 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807579\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li1860\jclisttab\tx1860\lin1860 } {\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807567\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li2580\jclisttab\tx2580\lin2580 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0 \leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807577\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3300\jclisttab\tx3300\lin3300 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1 \levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807579\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li4020\jclisttab\tx4020\lin4020 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \leveltemplateid134807567\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li4740\jclisttab\tx4740\lin4740 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807577 \'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5460\jclisttab\tx5460\lin5460 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid134807579\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;} \fi-180\li6180\jclisttab\tx6180\lin6180 }{\listname ;}\listid358237266}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid358237266\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\pgptbl {\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid347732\rsid1453238\rsid1974642\rsid2440368 \rsid4942814\rsid5449290\rsid5515675\rsid6505074\rsid10369658\rsid11820118\rsid12201369\rsid12481645\rsid14312030\rsid14830933\rsid16525304}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA }{\author jchemeri} {\operator skivumbi}{\creatim\yr2009\mo12\dy2\hr13\min22}{\revtim\yr2009\mo12\dy3\hr11\min35}{\version3}{\edmins17}{\nofpages12}{\nofwords3446}{\nofchars19644}{\*\company JSI}{\nofcharsws23044}{\vern24689}}\paperw11906\paperh16838 \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\rsidroot6505074\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\insrsid347732 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\insrsid347732 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\insrsid347732 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\insrsid347732 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid12201369\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5515675 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid347732 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14312030 8}}}{\cs17\insrsid347732 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid347732 {\insrsid347732 \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 \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 THE}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 AT MENGO \line (CORAM: ODER, KAROKORA AND KANYEIHAMBA J. J. S. C.)}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 CIVIL APPEAL NO.3 OF 1996}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 BETWEEN }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 KAMURASI CHARLES}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 :::::::::::::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 ::::::::::::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 ::::::::::::::::::::::::}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 APPELLANT}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 AND}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 1. ACCORD PROPERTIES LTD) }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 :::::::::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 ::::::}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 :::::::::::::::::::}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 RESPONDENTS \line 2. CHRISTOPHER SEKISAMBU) \line }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 (}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Appeal from the judgment a}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 nd orders of the High Court of }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 Uganda at Kampala (Tsekooko, . J}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 . as he then was) dated March,1993 in H. CC. SNo46 of 1990)}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 JUDGMENT OF KANYE1HAMBA}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 This is an appeal against the judgment and orders of th e High Court (Tsekooko J., as he then was) striking out the plaint between the applicant and the respondents for abuse of the process of the Court and ordering that Counsel for the appellant in that case, Mr. Mugenyi & Company Advocates, personally pay th e costs in the suit.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par The facts and merits }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 of this case are not relevant except in so far as they relate to the circumstances leading to this appeal. Counsel for the applicant filed two suits in the High Court each namin}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 g}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 two different sets of defendants. The first plaint was instituted on }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 25 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 January 1990 between }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Kamurasi Charles}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 as plaintiff and }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Serugooti Estates Limited}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and one }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Christopher Ssekisambu}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 as defendants. The suit was filed and given a number in the High Court Registry as Civil Suit No.46 of 1990. Summons to enter appearance seems to have been issued by the Court. Without any notice or application to amend this suit, another plaint, this time, between }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Kamurasi Charles v. Accord Properties Ltd.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 and Christopher }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Ssekisambu }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 was also filed and served on the defendants much later, possibly on 28}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 of March 1990 and the defendants entered appearance and filed a written statement of defence dated 23 April, 1990. The second suit was also given the same number in the regis try as Civil Suit No.46 of 1990. Both plaints indicate that they were signed by the same counsel of Mugenyi and Company, Advocates, of Kampala, on the same day, namely, 24}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 January 1990.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par In an amended plaint dated 1}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 7}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 October, 1991, which only related t o the second suit, the same firm of advocates did, without reference to the parties in the first suit, amend the particulars of the special damages allegedly incurred by the applicant. In an accompanying affidavit by Yesero Mugenyi of the same firm of adv ocates, the said Yesero stated, inter alia, that on 25}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 January, 1990 he had filed a plaint which had been served on defendant Accord Properties Limited. Counsel did not refer to the first plaint or parties therein. The subsequent proceedings before the le arned trial judge were conducted as if only one plaint had been filed against one set of defendants. \line During the perusal of the record of proceedings and consideration of submissions for the parties, the trial judge discovered that there had been two plaints filed in court on behalf of the applicant. The learned judge considered this and the}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 silence on the matter by counsel for the applicant as tantamount to abuse of the process of the court. On 18/03/1993 the learned trial judge ordered the second plaint to be struck out with costs against the applicant\rquote s counsel and, it is against those orders that this appeal was filed before this court.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line When the appeal first came before us on 19}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 July, 1999 only counsel for the applicant, Mr. Hamu Mugenyi, was present. He submitted that the affidavit by the court\rquote s clerk indicated that no service to the respondents was effected because the appellant who normally resides in }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290\charrsid5449290 Fort Portal}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 did not know the respondents\rquote address and was therefore unable to assist in the servic e. He further submitted that his firm had attempted to serve the respondents through their former counsel who declined service as they were no longer under the instructions of the respondents. Mr. Mugenyi therefore applied for an order authorising substit uted service in accordance with rule 1 (3) of the Rules of this court. We made the order and directed that such substituted service shall be effected through advertisements in the \'93New Vision\'94 and \'93Bukedde\'94 newspapers. The Court fixed the next hearing of the appeal for 9th November, 1999, in order to allow for an e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 xtended period in which to }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 effect the substituted service and give enough time for the respondents, wherever they may be to read it and instruct }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 counsel, if any, in good time. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 When the hearing of the appeal resumed on 9}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 November, 1999, again only Mr. Ham Mugenyi of Mugenyi & Company Advocates, for the appellant was present. He contended that he could not explain why the respondents were not present since his firm had effected substituted service in accordance with the order of court made on 1 9}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 July, 1999. We noticed that the alleged substituted service was published in both n}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 ewspapers in their issues of 31}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid5449290\charrsid5449290 st}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 November, 1999, barely a week before the hearing of the appeal was to commence. Apparen tly for more than three months counsel for the appellant kept silent and did nothing about the order for substituted service, presumably hoping that no one connected with the respondents would see the advertisements in time to alert them, let alone allow s ufficient time for any counsel they may instruct to read the brief and get well acquainted with the facts to be able to represent them adequately. Sadly for this particular appellant, there is more to it than what appears in those advertisements. A close analysis of the advertisements which appeared in the two newspapers and which counsel for the appellant, Mi. Ham Mugenyi, proudly produced before the court show that once again the parties have mysteriously changed names. Instead of having }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Charles Kamurasi v. Serugooti Estates Ltd. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and Christopher Ssekisambu, or Kamurasi Charles v. M/s. }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Accord }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Properties }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Christopher Sekisambu the substituted service was published for yet another set of respondents, namely M/s. Accord Properties and }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 CHRISTOPHER SEBULIBA }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 (emphasis mine). I shall return to this matter later in this judgment. \line There are eight grounds of appeal in the Memorandum of Appeal framed as follows:}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1)\tab}}\pard \s15\ql \fi-360\li420\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx420\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin420\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge erred in holding that there were two plaints which formed \'93 a basis of prosecuting a suit\'94 whereas the case was based and prosecuted on the basis of the plaint headed\'94 Accord Properties Ltd. \'93as the first defendant only. }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge misapprehended the proceedings prior to the trial in as much as it was clear that \'93Serugooti Estates Ltd.\'94 was substituted by \'93Accord Properties Ltd\'94 on the trial plaint before service and substitution required no formal application or leave as it is effected before service.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 judge completely misapprehended the doe fine of abuse of the process of court in as much as the prosecution of the trial plaint citing \'93Accord Properties Ltd\'94 and its service and prosecution were done within the rules of Civil Procedure with no prejudice to the parties and no inconvenience or loss of reputation on/dignity to the Court.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4)\tab} }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge was wrong to say that the case was prosecuted on the basis of two plaints both containing the same ca}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 use of action (except for the di}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 fferent defendants) and making the same allegations whe}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 reas at no stage did the plainti}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 ff or his counsel make any reference to or rely on the plaint which had \'93Serugoti Estate Ltd\'94 as first defendant since the latter had been substituted by \'93Accord Properties Ltd\'94 as the proper party to the suit.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 erred in dismissing the plaintiff\rquote s}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 suit on an issue, which had not been pleaded, tried and even made a matter for argument and submission by the parties.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290

\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge committed a grave error in condemning }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 and hence dismissing the plainti}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 ff\rquote s suit without first hearing his counsel on the issue on which the learned trial judge based his dismissal, which was contrary natural justice and occasioned grave miscarriage }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 of justice}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 .}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The l earned trial judge misdirected himself by insisting that the case was prosecuted on two identical plaints, whereas not; but even (f there are existed two identical plaints, the learned trial judge erred by not giving judgment on the plaint on which eviden ce had been given and ignore or strike out, if was necessary, the one on which no evidence or even reference had been made i}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 n the prosecution of the plaintiff\rquote s}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 case. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4942814\charrsid5449290 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8)\tab}}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The learned trial judge was wrong to order payment of costs by the plaintiff\rquote s counsel who in all the presentation and prosecution of his client \lquote s case \line committed no professionally palpable act of misconduct or negligence but judged and took each step according to the best of his ability and understanding of the law assisted by his long experience.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 In my opinion, the grounds listed in the Memorandum of Appeal offend against the provisions of the rule 81(1) of the Rules of this Court which provides that: \line }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \'93 A Memorandum of Appeal shall set forth concisely and under distinct heads without argument or narrative, the grounds of objections to the decision appealed against, spec}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 if}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 ying the points which are alleged to have been wrongly decided, and the nature of the order which it is proposed to ask the Court to make\'94}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 The only thing that can be said about these grounds is that they represent everything that the rules of court prohibit appellants or their counsel from doing. \line Be that as it may, in the interests of justice and the appellant, we decided to hear counsel\rquote s submissions upon the same }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 ex}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 parte. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Counsel for the appellant indicate}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 d that he would argue grounds, 1, 4,and}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 7 together, then grounds 2 and 3 together, }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 5 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and 6 together, and lastly ground 8 separately. During the course of his submissions, counsel abandoned grounds }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 2}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 3,5}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 and }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 6.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 O n grounds, 1,4, and 7 he contended that the case was prosecuted on the basis of one plaint. It was his submission that although the record shows that two plaints had been filed, only one, which indicated Accord Properties Ltd as first defendant, was prose cuted. He contended that the fact that there was no formal amendment of one or the other of the plaints or a consolidation of both should not have vitiated the proceedings. It was counsel\rquote s contention that since the first plaint was not served upon the resp ondents, it could not, in any way, form the foundation of the prosecution of the case. In consequence, the trial judge was in error when he held that the existence of the two plaints amounted to an abuse of the process of the court. He further contended t h at since the first plaint was not raised in the trial by the appellant or his counsel, it could not have formed part of the proceedings to enable the trial judge to comment on it, let alone make it the basis of his order to strike out the second plaint. M r. Mugenyi cited }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 B. E. A }{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Timber Co. vs. Indear Singh G.lj, }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 (1959) E. A 163, in support of his submission. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 In this judgment I will consider and dispose of the grounds of appeal as argued by counsel for the applicant.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 On ground 1,4, and 7, it is not in dispute that two plaints were filed involving two sets of parties. On presentation of the second of those plaints and in the amended }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 plaint dated 1}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 7}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 October, 1991, and in the affidavit sworn and filed by Mr. Yesero Mugenyi of Mugenyi and Company, Advocates, co unsel had opportunities to amend or seek leave to amend the pleadings. Indeed, it is quite inexplicable as to why he did not do so. However, the trial judge\rquote s findings are inescapable. In his judgment, the learned judge stated; }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \'93The second plaint must have been }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 slotted into the file about 28}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 th}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 March, 1990, without paying any fees, or for that matter, without leave to amend, if that had been the intention. I say so because summons to enter appearance was actually si}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 g}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 ned and i}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 ssued by a different Ag. Registrar on 28}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 th}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 March, 1990. An attempt had}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 been made to insert 25th January}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 , 1990 as the date for issue but the Registrar deleted 25 and January and wrote 28 March,1990 which I believe to be the date when the summons and plaint were slotted into the file without payment }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 of fees}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 or amendments\'94}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 In the absence of any other plausible explanation, it is my opinion that the learned trial judge was entitled to come to this conclusion.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14312030 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 There are other instances in the prosecution of this case, which indicate that c ounsel for the applicant appeared to wish to short-circuit the process. For instance, counsel for the respondents filed a written statement of defence which was drawn on 23}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 rd}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 of April, 1990. Accord Properties Limited instructed new counsel and notified Messrs. Mugenyi and Company, Advocates on the 9}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 May, 1991 and yet those advocates claim to have receive notification of the change of advocates on 11}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 September 1991. On the other hand, when the same firm of advocates amended the plaint on 17}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 October, 19 91, there is no evidence that they notified the respondents or their counsel of the amendments proposed. It is peculiarly strange that on the day that the firm of Mugenyi & Company, Advocates, drew up their amended plaint is the same day that notice for a chamb}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 er summons under Order 75, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 rules 10 and 30 of the Civil Procedure Rules, was issued and served by the Deputy Chief Registrar. The service of the summons was considerably delayed until the 28}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 October, 1991, just a few days before the hearing. It was also on the 17}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 day of October that Mr. Yesero Mugenyi of the same firm and counsel for the appellant filed his affidavit in support of the application to amend.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Notwithstanding that notice for the hearing of the Chamber application to amend the plaint w as fixed for 4th November 1991, for some inexplicable turn of events, that application was not heard until the 23\rquote September 1992. There is no record of the dates having been changed or counsel for the respondents notified. The only evidence available is that }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 counsel for one of the respondents, namely, Accord Properties Ltd., Mr. Lwere appears}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 to have been aware of the hearing of the application to amend the plaint on that day. However, on that day Mr. Mugenyi applied for leave to abandon the chamber summons for the application to amend the plaint and instead applied to have the case heard ex parte}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 under Order 9 rule 17(1) (a) of the Civil Procedure Rules claiming that the consent form had been signed by counsel for the defence and was on file. Although the trial judge ob}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 served that the rule cited by Mr}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 . Mugenyi did not apply to the situation, but having been convinced by Mr. Mugenyi that the defence consented to the hearing, the learned trial judge agreed to having the case heard }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 ex parte.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 It is again very strange indeed that the appellant\rquote s counsel who had been anxious to amend the plaint for what he said in his affidavit \'93for particulars of special damages which is likely to be prejudiced to the interests of the parties in this cause\'94 was now ready and wil ling to proceed without that crucial amendment simply because counsel for the defendants was not present that day. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12481645\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 When counsel for the 1 respondent returned to the country from abroad, he expressed surprise that the hearing had proceeded in his absence for as he said, }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \'93I had the impression that on 23}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 r}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid14312030\charrsid14312030 d}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 September 1992 the hearing was for only chamber application }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \'93, which of course would have explained his absence because counsel normally do not oppose amendments to plaints. This was on the 7}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 October 1992 when the hearing of the plaint resumed. When Mr. Lwere, counsel for the respondent applied to recall the applicant (PWI) for cross-examination, Mr.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Mugenyi objected strongly in the words, }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 \'93I}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 oppose the application. The suit was }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid14312030 fixed}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 for hearing by consent and not the chamber summons. Counsel was aware that the chamber summons was withdrawn\'94}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 In my opinion, this was yet another instance showing Mr. Mugenyi of Mugenyi and Company, Advocates, abusing the process of the court. I do not believe that he had forgotten that when he first appeared before the same court in the absence of the counsel for the first respondent, he had used the following words to persuade the trial court to allow him to proceed ex parte. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \'93I apply for leave to abandon the chamber summons for the application to amend the plaint.\'94 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Thus, Mr. Mugenyi was indulging in a deception for he knew as we all know that there was no way counsel for the l respondent could have known about this latest application by counsel for the appellant. I agree with the findings of the learned trial judge that there was an abuse of the process of court. It follows that grounds 1, 4, and 7 must }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 fail. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 As Counsel for the appellant abandoned grounds 2, 3, }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 5 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and 6, 1 will now deal with ground 8 of appeal.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14312030 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 On ground 8, counsel for the appellant submitted that the trial judge was in error to order payment of costs by the counsel personally. Counsel advanced two reasons for hi s submission. In the first instance, he submitted that counsel had done his best to prosecute the case to the best of his ability. There had been no negligence on his part nor had he attempted to deceive the court. Secondly, it was his contention that cou nsel was not given an opportunity to explain himself before the court and show cause why the order for such costs against him personally should not be made.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par Counsel cited }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 Hal}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 sbury\rquote s Laws of England, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 3 Edition, Vol.36 page 198, }{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Abraham v. Justin, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 j1963) 2 ALL. E. R.402, and }{ \i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 J.}{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 B. Koh}{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 li}{ \i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 and Others v. Bachulal Popallac }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 (1964) E. A 219, for the proposition that an advocate should not be condemned to pay costs personally without being given opportunity to be heard. In the latter case, the East African Cour t of Appeal held that the judge who had ordered the first appellant to pay the costs personally without first giving him an opportunity to answer the complaint had erred. On the basis of his submissions and the authorities cited, Mr. Mugenyi prayed this c ourt to allow the appeal, reinstate and order the retrial of the case on the basis of the second plaint and that the costs be paid by the respondents.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 In his submissions before us, Mr. Mugenyi did not reveal anything new that was not in the record of proce edings before the trial Court. Nor, in my opinion, have his submissions to this court revealed anything new upon which counsel could have addressed the learned trial judge. Nevertheless, the general rule remains that a party must be given an opportunity t o be heard before its rights are prejudiced or affected }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 by a decision. I know that }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 the Judge in this case invoked the provisions of section 101 of the Civil Procedure Act and exercised his inherent powers to penalise in costs an advocate found abusing the p rocess of the Court. The Judge acted within the law and rules of court. However, having heard counsel\rquote s arguments this ground is based on one simple rule of natural justice, namely the right of a party to be heard before they are found liable. This rule em braces the whole notion of fair procedure and due process. It is well illustrated by the English case of }{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 R. v. University of Cambridge (1723) 1 Str 557 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 where the University of Cambridge had deprived Bentley of his Degree without giving him opportunity to be heard. Without going into what transpired in the case, }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 Bentley}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 was able to have the act of the University declared a nullity because he had not first been heard in his own defence. One of the Judges on the Coram observed that even Adam had been called up on by God to meet the charge of having eaten an apple of the forbidden tree, before suffering expulsion. Consequently, in the instant case, although counsel\rquote s conduct appears to be blamed-worthy, justice demanded that he should not have been condemned without being beard. In my view, this ground should succeed.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Before considering the matter of costs in this appeal, I will return to the manner in which counsel for the appellant has conducted himself in prosecuting the appeal. I am in agreement that the appellant in this court as in the trial court is not blameworthy. He has been a victim of his counsel \rquote s blund ers, which have surfaced even in this very court. It will be re-called that when Mr. Ham Mugenyi first appeared before us, he indicated that his firm attempted to serve respondents through their former counsel who declined to accept service because they w ere no longer acting for the respondents.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 However, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 in the second plaint drawn by M/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 s Mugenyi and Company, Advocates, the first defendant is a limited liability company whose address and company returns must be freely available in the office of the Registrar of Companies. The second respondent\rquote s address is given in the plaint as P. O. Box 30797}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Apparently, the second respondent is, according to that plaint, an employee of the first respondent and was driving the latter\rquote s motor cycle Reg.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 No. UWX. 735.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 Consequ ently, either the plaint contains falsehoods or, Messrs Mugenyi & Company, Advocates, only want to hear from their clients in upcountry stations about parties who live and work in the city not very far from their chambers. In my opinion, counsel was in a position to do and could have done more in discovering the whereabouts of the respondents without waiting for information from their client who lived in Fort Portal}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 . \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \par This Court has little opinion of the way the grounds of appeal were framed which shows that this firm of lawyers has not read or does not care to find out the rules applicable in appeals to this C}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 ourt, the highest in the land. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 This kind of work undermines the claim for the senior partner of the firm that he has had long experience in the leg al profession. Lastly, it is my opinion that, the deliberate or otherwise delay in publishing substituted service, coupled with a deliberate or otherwise insertion of wrong parties in the substituted service, all lend credence to the fact that Messrs Muge nyi & Company Advocates, have all along planned for this case and its appeal to be heard ex parte.}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 This is unacceptable in this Court and it is also an abuse of the process of Court. All in all, I would dismiss this appeal and would award costs in this court to the Respondents}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5449290 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11820118\charrsid5449290 . DATED AT MENGO}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 THIS 17}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 DAY OF . . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 . February}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 1999}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 . \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 G. W. KANYEIHAMBA \line JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 I CERTIFY THAT THIS A \line TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL \line W. MASALU MUSENE \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 REGISTRAR, THE SUPREME COURT. }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 \par \par \par \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 JUDGMENT OF ODER JSC: }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 I hav e had the benefit of reading in draft the judgment of Kanyeihamba, \line JSC. The Appeal should be dismissed.}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid14312030 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 As Karokora, JSC, agrees, the Appeal is dismissed. The order of the Court \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 shall be as proposed by Kanyeih}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 amba J}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 SC. \par DATED AT MENGO THIS... 17}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 \'85}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 DAY OF . . }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 . February\'85.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 2000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 . \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 A. H. O ODER \line JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14312030 \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 JUDGMENT OF KAROKORA JSC. }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 I have had the benefit of reading in draft the judgment prepared by my learned brother, Kanyeihamba, JSC. I agree with him that the appe}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 al must Court. \par DATED THIS 17}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2440368\charrsid5449290 \'85}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 DAY OF February 2000 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 A. N. KAROKORA}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT.}{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \line \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6505074\charrsid5449290 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5449290 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14830933\charrsid5449290 \par }}