[2003] UGHC 36

[2003] UGHC 36

The court found that a valid sub-lease agreement existed between the plaintiff and the late Mukasa, and that the plaintiff fulfilled his obligations under the agreement. The defendant, as administrator, breached the contract by refusing to execute the sub-lease and by alienating part of the property to third...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2003] UGHC 36
Parties
Plaintiff: Livingstone Kyofa Mpiima; Defendant: Elizabeth Nanteza
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
CIVIL SUIT NO. 853 of 1989
Procedural Posture
Civil Suit / Judgment
Outcome
judgment for the plaintiff
Legal Topics
Specific Performance, Breach of Contract, Customary Tenancy, Damages, Remedies, Land Valuation
Source Language
en
Land and Property Civil Procedure Specific Performance Breach of Contract Customary Tenancy Damages Remedies Land Valuation

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Parties

Livingstone Kyofa Mpiima

Plaintiff

Elizabeth Nanteza

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Suit / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the plaintiff and the late J. H. B. K. Mukasa entered into a sub-lease agreement over the suit property in favour of the plaintiff.
  2. 2 If so, whether the defendant breached the terms of that agreement.
  3. 3 Whether the plaintiff has suffered any damage or loss as a result of the breach.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that a valid sub-lease agreement existed between the plaintiff and the late Mukasa, and that the plaintiff fulfilled his obligations under the agreement. The defendant, as administrator, breached the contract by refusing to execute the sub-lease and by alienating part of the property to third parties. However, due to changes in the law (Land Reform Decree, 1975 and Land Act, 1998), the defendant could no longer grant a sub-lease as originally contemplated, making specific performance impossible. The plaintiff, having only an equitable interest and not a registered proprietary interest, was not entitled to compensation based on the current market value of the land but was...

Court Disposition

judgment for the plaintiff

Orders

  • The plaintiff is awarded UGX 12,000,000 as general damages.
  • Interest on the above sum at 8% per annum from the date of filing until payment in full.