[2003] UGCA 4

[2003] UGCA 4

The Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred by considering the merits of the substantive application at the leave stage, which is contrary to the procedural requirements for judicial review applications. At the leave stage, the judge is only required to determine whether a prima facie case exists based on...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2003] UGCA 4
Parties
Appellant: Kikonda Butema Farms Ltd; Respondent: The Inspector General of Government
Court
Court of Appeal of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Appeal No. 35 of 2002
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Ruling on Application for Leave to Apply for Prerogative Orders
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Judicial Review, Prerogative Orders, Leave to Apply, Certiorari, Prohibition, Ultra Vires
Source Language
en
Administrative Law Civil Procedure Judicial Review Prerogative Orders Leave to Apply Certiorari Prohibition Ultra Vires

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Parties

Kikonda Butema Farms Ltd

Appellant

The Inspector General of Government

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Ruling on Application for Leave to Apply for Prerogative Orders

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge erred in considering the merits of the main application at the leave stage.
  2. 2 Whether the Inspector General of Government acted ultra vires in countermanding the Attorney General's advice.
  3. 3 Whether the appellant was entitled to leave to apply for orders of certiorari and prohibition.

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred by considering the merits of the substantive application at the leave stage, which is contrary to the procedural requirements for judicial review applications. At the leave stage, the judge is only required to determine whether a prima facie case exists based on the statement of facts, affidavit, and any annexures. The judge should not delve into the merits or demerits of the substantive application or rely on documents not filed with the application. The trial judge's reliance on the respondent's report, which was not part of the application, and his premature determination of the controversy without hearing all parties, constituted a...

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Orders of the trial court set aside.
  • File remitted to the High Court for hearing before another judge.