[2008] UGHC 47

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{\insrsid15666579 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid5177545\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15666579 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid1389730 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid8004153 14}}}{\cs17\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid1389730 {\insrsid1389730 \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\pararsid1389730 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \line IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \line HCT-OO-CV-CS-0557-2004 \line KIGA LANE HOTEL LIMITED ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::PLAINTIFF \line VERSUS \line UGANDA ELECTRICITY DISTIRIBUTION:::::::::::::::::DEFENDANT COMPANY \line BEFORE: }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE YOROKAMU BAMWINE \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 JUDGMENT: }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The Plaintiff\rquote s case against the defendant is for }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 recovery of special and general }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 damages, interest and costs of the suit. At the conferencing, the parties agreed that: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 1. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The plaintiff operated Hotel business at t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 he material time at Kawala. One }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Rhoda Wanyana is Director and Shareholder in the company. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 2. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Rhoda applied for connection for commercial purposes. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 3. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 There was disconnection of power on 16/10/2003 and reconnection made subsequently. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Issues: }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 1. Whether the disconn}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 ection of power was justified. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 2. Whether the plaintiff was a customer of the defendant.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 3. Whether the plaintiff suffere}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 d loss and damage as a result. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 4. Whether the defendant is liable }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 for any or all of the damages. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 5. Remedies. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I took up the matter half way the hearing, at the stage of the defence evidence. Both learned Counsel preferred to file written submissions. Their analysis of the evidence does not follow the order in which the issues were framed. I have not faulted their decision to proceed that way. The nature of the claim dictates so. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Accordingly, court shall conveniently re-cast the five issues into three broad ones: \line 1. Whether a contract existed between the plaintiff and the defendant. \line 2. Whether the defendant is liable for the plaintiff\rquote s alleged loss. \line 3. Reliefs, if any. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Representations}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 :}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Mr. Joseph Luswata for the plaintiff. \line Mr. Den}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 is Wamala for the defendant. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Issue No. 1: Whether a contract existed between the plaintiff and the defendant. \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 From the pleading s and the evidence, the plaintiff is a limited liability company. It was incorporated on 24/03/1997. The Electricity Account in issue, A/C No. 10650234 was opened by a one Rhoda Wanyana with the defendant\rquote s predecessor in title on 12/12/1995, before the in corporation of the plaintiff company. Rhoda Wanyana herself became a director of the plaintiff on 20/01/2004, according to Exhibit D3. And as an admitted fact, the power supply to the impugned premises was disconnected on 16/10/2003. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 From the above facts , Kiga Lane Hotel Limited did not open the account in question with the defendant. The person who opened the account, long before the plaintiff came into existence, was Rhoda Wanyana. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The plaintiff\rquote s evidence on this point is that at the time of the disconnection in 2003, the power was being consumed by Kiga Lane Hotel Ltd. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 PW1 Wanyana Rhoda testified: \line \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \'93 I work in Kiga Lane Hotel Am a director in it, since 24th March 1997. 1 know UEDCL, Am their customer.\'94 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 From her own evidence, the defendant\rquote s registered customer is Rhoda Wanyana, PW1, and not the plaintiff. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The law is settled that a contract made before a company is formed cannot bind the company formed afterwards nor can a company by adoption or ratification obtain a benefit of a contract purportin g to have been made on its behalf before it came into existence. In order to do so, a new contract}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 must be made with it after its }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 incorporation on terms of the old one. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 See: }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 National Ente}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 rprises Corporation & 2 Others }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730\charrsid5177545 vs.}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Nile Bank Ltd SCCA No. 17/97. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 In the instant case, it is very clear to me that the account in dispute was opened in December, 1995. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730\charrsid5177545 It}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 was opened in the name of Rhoda Wanyana. Kiga Lane Hotel Ltd came into existence in 1997 according to Exhibit D2. What is in issue is a contract made before the company was formed. This contract cannot bi}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 nd the company nor could the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 company by adoption or ratification obtain a benefit from it as long as the contract was concluded before it (the company) came into existence. In order to do that, a new contract had to be made between the said company and the defendant after the company \rquote s incorporation in 1997 on the terms of the old one. There is no evidence of any such new contract. In the result, no contract existed between the defendant and the plaintiff Hotel. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 In connection with the above is the issue of privity of contract. Privity simply means the relationship in which a person stands in a transaction in which he is a party, or some other party with whom he/she is connected. It is the relationship wh ich exists between the immediate parties to a contract which is necessary to enable one person to sue on it. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It is a fundamental principle of law, and Mr. Wamala could not have put it better than he did in his submissions, that only a person who is a par ty to a contract can sue upon it. A stranger to a contract can not take advantage of the provisions of the contract even where it is clear from the contract that some provision in it was intended to benefit him. It was so held in }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 MIDL}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 AND SILICONES LTD VS SCRUTTONS [}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 1}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 962]}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 A. C. 446 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 and it is still good law to-date. \line }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 See: }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Ecumenical Church Loan Fund }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730\charrsid5177545 vs.}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 John Bwiza & Others HCT-00-CS-0614-2004 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (Commercial Court }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \emdash }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 unreported) \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1389730 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 :}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5966551 Francis}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Xavier Muhoozi t}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551 /}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 a Kabale Kobil Station }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551\charrsid5177545 vs.}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 National Bank of Commerce (U) Ltd HCT-00-CC-CS- 0303-2 006 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (also Commercial Court }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 - }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 unreported). \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid5966551 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 This principle in my view seals the plaintiff \rquote s fate herein. The contract was between Rhoda Wanyana and the defendant. It was concluded in 1995, before the plaintiff was incorporated in 199 7. The law cannot allow it to benefit from the said contract as long as following its incorporation, no steps were taken to enter into a new relationship with the defendant, be it on the terms of the old one or fresh terms. For this reason alone, the plai ntiff lacks a sustainable cause of action against the defendant. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It has been contended by the plaintiff that the contract was assigned by Rhoda Wanyana to the plaintiff. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Apart from pleading assignment in paragraph (a) of the plaint, no evidence of assignment of the contra}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5966551 ct from Rhoda Wanyana to the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 plaintiff was led. The two plaintiff\rquote s witnesses, PW1 Wanyana and PW2 Waiswa Moses provided no evidence of the alleged assignment of the contract from PW1 Wanyana to the plaintiff. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I have addressed my mind t o the law on assignment of contract. The general rule is that liabilities under a contract cannot be assigned. But they may be assigned with the consent of the other party to the contract, as in Novation, and the parties may make them assignable, either e xpressly or impliedly. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16603133 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 See: }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 A Concise Law Dictionary }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16603133 by}{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 P. G Osborn, }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 5th Edition,}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16603133 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16603133 p.}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 34. \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16603133 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Rights or benefits under a contract may be assigned by legal assignment, equitable assignment, or operation of law (as in the case of the defendant and its successor in title, Uganda Electricity Board). In the instant case, the plaintiff has adduced no evidence of a legal assignment. I believe there was none. The possibility of an assignment by operation of law is out. The only remote possibility is that of an equitab l}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 e assignment. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It is trite that the benefit of a contract can be transferred to a third party by a process known as assignment. This is a transaction between the person entitled to the benefit of the contract (called the creditor or assignor, in our cas e Rhoda Wanyana) and the third party (called the assignee, in our case Kiga Lane Hotel Ltd) as a result of which the assignee becomes entitled to sue the person liable under the contract (called the debtor, in our case the defendant). The debtor is not a party to the transaction and his consent is not necessary for its validity. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (See: Law of Contract in Uganda by David J. Bakibinga at p. 307). \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 No particular form is necessary: it need not even be in writing. All that is necessary is that the debtor (in our case the defendant) should be given to understand that the debt has been made over by the creditor to some third person. If the debtor ignores such a notice he does so at his peril (a Concise Law Dictionary, ibid, p. 122). \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 In the instant case, there is no evidence of any such notice to the defendant. All bills continued coming in the name of Rhoda Wanyana and the disconnection notice was issued}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 to her. Learned Counsel for }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 the defendant has submitted that if the contract was ever assigned by PW1 Wanyam a to the plaintiff, then the plaintiff\rquote s claim against the defendant can only be founded on a legal chose in action, that is, a right that can only be enforced by an action at law. I agree. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133

\par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 However, the law as I understand it is that an equitable assignee of a legal chose in action cannot enforce the right assigned by action, unless the action is in the name of the assignor, or he is joined as a plaintiff, if he consents, or if he does not, as a defendant. To succeed in action based on breach of contract, the plaintiff ought to have joined Rhoda Wanyana as a party, if she }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133\charrsid5177545 consented}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 or as a defendant (if she did not consent). Failure to do so rendered the action founded on contract incompetent. In all these circumstances, I find that no contract existed between the plaintiff and the defendant. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I would answer the first issue in the negative and I do so. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16603133 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Issue No. 2: }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Wheth}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 er the defendant is liable for the plaintiff\rquote s all}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 e}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 g}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 ed loss. }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 This leg of the plaintiff\rquote s claim is founded not in contract but in negligence. The plaintiff avers in paragraph 3 (c) of the plaint that }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133\charrsid16603133 on}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 the}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 16th }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 day of October 2003, the defendant\rquote s }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133\charrsid5177545 agents}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 acting in the course of their employment negligently and without any justificati}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 on disconnected the meter No. E1}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 76873 accusing the user thereof of by-passing the meter and thus consuming power illegally. }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Learned Counsel for the defendant has attacked this leg of the plaintiff\rquote s claim as welt. He has argued that it should fail because}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 the particulars of the alleged }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 negligence are neither pleade d nor proved. That there is no iota o}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16603133 f evidence led by the plaintiff\rquote }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 s witnesses showing in what manner the disconnection of power supply to the premises was negligent. That disconnection alone is not evidence of negligence and the plaintiff had to prove t hat the said disconnection was negligently carried out by the defendant\rquote s agents. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It is further submitted by learned Counsel that since no contract existed between the plaintiff and the defendant, the defendant did not owe a duty of care to the plaintiff and cannot therefore be held liable in negligence. Counsel did not cite any authority to support this rather novel alleged legal principle. I will star}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 t with the tatter argument. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par The }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Oxford Dictionary of Law, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 sixth edition (Edited by Elizabeth A. Martin and Jonathan Law) defines }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \lquote }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid3102562 negligence\rquote }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (at p. 353) thus: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3102562 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \'93 2. A tort consisting of the breach of a duty of care resulting in damage to the claimant. Negligence in the sense of carelessness does not give rise to civil liability unless the defendant\rquote s fai lure to conform to the standards of the reasonable man was a breach of a duty of care owed to the claimant, which has caused damage to him. Negligence can be used to bring a civil action when there is no contract under which proceedings can be brought. No rmally it is easier to sue for breach of a contract, but this is only possible when a contract exists.\'94 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I take this to be the correct position of law. This being so, the mere fact that the plaintiff has failed to demonstrate existence of a contract between itself and the defendant would not ipso facts be a ground to deny it a remedy in tort, if any is deser }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 ved. Negligence can found a }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 tortuous civil action in the absence of a contractual relationship between the parties. Having said so, I now turn to the pleadings. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I would agree with learned Counsel for the defendant that particulars must always be given of any alleged negligence, showing in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 what respects the defendant was }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 negligent. The statement of claim should state the facts on which the supposed du ty is founded, the duty to the plaintiff with the breach of which the defendant is charged, the precise breach of that duty of which the plaintiff complains, and, lastly, particulars of injury and damage sustained. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Relating the above principles to the instant case, the plaintiff avers in paragraph 3 (c) of the plaint that the defendant\rquote s servants, acting in the scope of their employment, negligently and without any justification disconnected the meter accusing the user thereof of by}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 passing the meter and thus consuming the power illegally: As fate would have it, the person using the meter was the plaintiff at the material time. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 In paragraph 3 (f), the plaintiff pleaded that}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 the defendant\rquote s agents did the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 disconnection recklessly and acted irresponsibly after the disconnection. That there were no reason}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 s for disconnection and the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 defendant\rquote s investigations exonerated the plaintiff. The plaintiff then sets out the particulars of the loss suffered in terms of its declining business attributed to the discon nection. It then avers in paragraph 5 that at the trial of the suit, the plaintiff would aver that the actions of the agents of the defendant were the direct cause of the loss [particularized in paragraph 4] were reckless, negligent, arbitrary, defamatory and unreasonable and the plaintiff would pray for general damages. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Learned Counsel for the plaintiff indeed submitted that particulars of negligence were pleaded in paragraphs 3 (c), (f) and 5. Upon directing my mind to the law on this point, I accept the submission. The particulars of negligence were in my view sufficiently pleaded much as the plaintiff could have done more. Failure to do more than it should have done would not vitiate his claim. I would therefore think that since equity looks to the int e nt rather than the form, and it (equity) will not suffer a wrong to be without a remedy, the point raised by learned Counsel for the defendant, very respectfully, lacks merit. It ought to be rejected and I do so. In any case, it appears to me that even Ar ticle 126 (2) (e) of the Constitution would appropriately be invoked in a situation of this kind. Substantive justice must be administered without und}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 ue regard to technicalities. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par I have addressed my mind to the defendant\rquote s alleged negligence in the matter. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Almost every one, of course, has some idea that being negligent means being careless, not doing something properly and making a mess of a job. The necessary objective attitude of the courts to this tort is made clear in what Baron Alderson said in }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Blvth }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562\charrsid5177545 vs.}{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Birmingham Water Works (1856) 11 EX. 781: }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3102562 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Negligence is the omission to do something which a reasonable man, guided upon those considerations which ordinarily regulate the conduct of human affairs, would do, or doing something which a prudent and reasonable man would not do}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 .}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3102562 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 A plaintiff who alleges negligence has to prove that: \line (i). the defendant owed him a duty of care; \line (ii). the defendant broke that duty; and \line (iii). the}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 plaintiff suffered a loss. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It is an admitted fact that the plaintiff o perated Hotel business at the material time at Kawala, in the building for which Rhoda Wanyana opened an electricity account with the defendant in 1995. The said Wanyana is a director and shareholder in the company. She (Rhoda Wanyana) actually applied fo r electricity connection for commercial purposes, implying knowledge as to user of the suit premises on the part of the defendant. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 There is evidence that at the time of disconnection there was an outstanding bill. However, it was not the reason for the dis connection. The reason was suspicion of a meter by-pass and therefore illegal consumption of power. The suspicion was investigated by the defendant\rquote s technicians who found no evidence of any meter by-pass. Power was re-connected after 35 days according to the uncontroverted evidence }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562\charrsid5177545 of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 PW1}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Rhoda Wanyana. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 At the hearing, DW1 Esther Mulyagonja, the defendant\rquote s company Secretary, testified that the only reason the company was not ready to compensate the plaintiff was because it (the plaintiff) had no contractual relationship with the defendant. According to her, even if the plaintiff was their custome}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 r, they would still not pay any }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 compensation to them because disconne}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3102562 ction is routine procedure. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par That they disconnect people every day for various reasons, or for no reason at all. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I am not sure that her assertions reflect any declared official policy of the defendant. No such written policy was brought to my attention. Even if they did, I would not hesitate to say that such a policy is }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 obnoxious}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 . It lacks lo gic. True, courts have somehow to decide where to draw the line. On the one hand it is vital not to allow suffering to go uncompensated, yet it would be just as wrong to hold a person responsible for every trivial complaint of the fussy or the malcontent. How far the courts are prepared to extend this }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \lquote duty of care\rquote }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 was decided in part, by a decomposing snail in the leading case of }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Donoghue }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 vs.}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Stevenson (19327 }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16065230 AC}{\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 562. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The facts are not relevant to the instant issue. However, to a large extent the decision i n this case represents the basis of the modern law of negligence. Lord Atkin contented himself with pointing out that in English law there must be, and is, some general conception of relations giving rise to a duty of care of which the particular cases fo und in the books are but instances. He went on to lay down the basis of the present law in the doctrine of the \lquote neighbour\rquote principle i}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 n this much quoted passage: \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The rule that you are to love your neighbour becomes in law, you must not injure your neighbour; and the lawyer\rquote s question, \lquote Who is my neighbour?\rquote receives a restricted reply. You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour. Who, then, in law, is my neighbour? The answer seems to be }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \emdash }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 persons who are so closely and directly affected by my act that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so affected when I was directing my mind to the acts or omissions which are called in question. \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The test has p roved the foundation upon which countless cases of alleged negligence have been tried and continue to be judged. Applying the same principle to the instant case the defendant knew or had cause to know that their customer, Rhoda Wanyana, operated Hotel bus i ness in the suit premises. She had applied for and had been approved for a power line that would further her business interests. The line was for commercial purposes. The defendant was therefore under duty to take reasonable care to avoid acts or omission s}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 which it }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 could reasonably foresee would be likely to injure those interests. Disconnection of power for 35 days had that result. Despite this knowledge of what business was being transacted in the premises, the defendant went ahead and disconnected t he power and for a period of 35 days the building was off the grid. Court cannot in such circumstances draw up its skirts and refuse assistance to the plaintiff, lack of a contractual relationship between the two notwithstanding. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 From the pleadings and evidence, it is clear to me that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff which duty it (the defendant) breached. It is therefore liable for the plaintiff \rquote s proved loss. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 I would answer the second issue in the affirmative and I do so. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Issue No. 3: Remedies, if any. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The plaintiff\rquote s lead prayer is for special damages of Shs.8}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 , 520,000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 /= itemized as follows: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (a). }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Profits from Bar, Hotel, Restaurant, Darts Club and Pool Table of \line Shs.200}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 , 000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 /= @ day x 35 - 7,000,000/= \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (b). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Payment for use of the prem ises as conference by the balokole on every Sunday \'a9 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 at Shs.100, 000/= for 4 Sundays - 400,000/= \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par (c). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Payment for theatre on}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 every Sunday each occasion at }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Shs.200}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 , 000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 /= for 4 Sundays - 800,000/= \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (d). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Payment due to cancelled contract with performers}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 Adatas on }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 the first Saturday following the connection \emdash 200,000/= \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (e). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Loss of rentals for 1 month due to}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 the departure of Tenants (one }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Working Saloon and the other a milk shop) \emdash 120,000/= \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li3600\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin3600\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Total }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 8,520,000/= }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 It is trite that special damages must be p leaded and strictly proved. Where documentary proof is not forthcoming, as indeed appears to be the case herein, the claimant should be contented with an award of general damages. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 As regards the claim for loss of income }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 from the business, items (a) \emdash (}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 e) above, the plaintiff has not produced evidence relating to the operation of the Hotel, evidence that would show how it was performing to raise inference that it was earning Shs.8,520,000/= per month as alleged in the plaint. Books of account, if any were being kept, would have come in handy in this regard. The plaintiff would have to establish its actual income through a recognized accounting method. It was not enough to say that it was earning so much per week and leave it at that. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 From the evidence of PW1 Wanyana and PW2 Waiswa, I\rquote m unable to say that the plaintiff has rendered strict proof of these claims or at all. In these circumstances, I would disallow the entir}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 e claim of special damages. \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 As regards general damages, these are what may be presumed by law to be the necessary result of the defendant\rquote s wrongful acts. The plaintiff may not prove that he suffered general damages. It is enough if he shows that the defendant owed him a duty of care which he breached. In the instant case, the plaintiff ha s shown to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant took the law into its own hands and paralysed the plaintiff\rquote s business for over a month. It merits an award of general damages. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230

\par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Learned Counsel for the plaintiff suggested an award of Shs.5,000,0 00/= as general damages on top of the Shs.8,520,000/= which the plaintiff had prayed in the plaint or Shs.4,540,000/= in Counsel\rquote s submissions. Learned Counsel for the defendant did not suggest any. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Taking into account the high handed conduct of the defendant\rquote s agents, the plaintiff\rquote s disallowed claims of special damages, and doing the best I can in the circumstances of this case, an award of Shs.5,000,000/= (five million only) would in my view meet the ends of justice. The award would attract interest at the rate of }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16065230 25%}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 per annum from the date of judgment till payment in full. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 The plaintiff shall also have the costs of the suit. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 In the result, judgment is entered}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 for the plaintiff against the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 defen}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 dant in the following terms: \line \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 (i}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 ). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 General damages: Shs.5}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230\charrsid5177545 , 000,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 /= (five million only). \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid16065230 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (ii). }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Interest on (i) above at the rate of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid16065230 25%}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 per annum from the date of judgment till payment in full. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 (iii). }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \tab Costs of the suit. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid1389730 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Orders accordingly. \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Yoroka}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 mu Bamwine \line JUDGE}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line 17/11/2008 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16065230 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 17/11/08: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Mr. Andrew Kabombo for defendant. \line Parties absent. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8004153 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Andrew: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Holding brief for Mr. Denis Wamala. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8004153 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 Court: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8004153 Judgment delivered. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8004153 Yorokam}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 u Bamwine \line JUDGE \line 17/11 2008 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1389730 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8722104\charrsid5177545 \par }}