[2008] UGHC 102

[2008] UGHC 102

The court found, on a balance of probabilities, that the fire which destroyed the plaintiff's house and property was caused by a faulty transformer under the defendant's control, resulting in uncontrolled high voltage. The defendant, as the authorized distributor of electricity, owed a duty of care to the plaintiff...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2008] UGHC 102
Parties
Plaintiff: KOMAKECH GEOFFREY; Defendant: UMEME LIMITED
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Suit No.13 of 2006
Procedural Posture
Civil Suit / Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the plaintiff.
Legal Topics
Negligence, Res Ipsa Loquitor, Damages Assessment, Duty of Care, Electricity Supply Liability
Source Language
en
Tort Law Civil Procedure Negligence Res Ipsa Loquitor Damages Assessment Duty of Care Electricity Supply Liability

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Parties

KOMAKECH GEOFFREY

Plaintiff

UMEME LIMITED

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Suit / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the defendant was negligent in providing electricity to the plaintiff's premises.
  2. 2 Whether the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor applied to the plaintiff's case.
  3. 3 Whether plaintiff suffered any damages, and if so, what is the quantum.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on a balance of probabilities, that the fire which destroyed the plaintiff's house and property was caused by a faulty transformer under the defendant's control, resulting in uncontrolled high voltage. The defendant, as the authorized distributor of electricity, owed a duty of care to the plaintiff and breached this duty by failing to maintain safe equipment and supply. The evidence from the plaintiff and supporting witnesses was consistent and credible, while the defendant's evidence was contradictory and unsupported. The doctrine of res ipsa loquitor was not applicable as both parties provided explanations for the fire's cause. The plaintiff established negligence and...

Court Disposition

Judgment for the plaintiff.

Orders

  • Plaintiff awarded UGX 7,509,000 for destroyed moveable property.
  • Plaintiff awarded UGX 4,000,000 for damage to the house.