[1992] UGSC 34

[1992] UGSC 34

The Supreme Court held that the general principle is to assess damages for conversion at the value of the property at the time of conversion, unless the plaintiff can show special circumstances, such as a pleaded and proved increase in value or loss of profits, which was not done in this case. The trial judge was...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[1992] UGSC 34
Parties
Appellant: Joseph Musoke; Respondent: Departed Asians Property Custodian Board; Respondent: Augustine Mbuga
Court
Supreme Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Appeal No. 1 of 1992
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From Judgment of the High Court of Uganda at Kampala (h.c.c.s. No. 1355 of 1984)
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part; measure of damages upheld; order as to costs varied.
Judges
Manyindo, DCJ, Platt, JSC, Seaton, JSC
Legal Topics
Conversion of Property, Measure of Damages, Special Damages, Costs Award, Joint and Several Liability
Source Language
en
Tort Law Civil Procedure Conversion of Property Measure of Damages Special Damages Costs Award Joint and Several Liability

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Parties

Joseph Musoke

Appellant

Departed Asians Property Custodian Board

Respondent

Augustine Mbuga

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From Judgment of the High Court of Uganda at Kampala (h.c.c.s. No. 1355 of 1984)

  1. 1 What is the correct date for valuing property in assessing damages for conversion: the date of conversion or the date of judgment?
  2. 2 Was the quantum of damages awarded for conversion adequate and based on correct principles?
  3. 3 Was the second respondent (Augustine Mbuga) liable for the loss of the appellant's property?

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the general principle is to assess damages for conversion at the value of the property at the time of conversion, unless the plaintiff can show special circumstances, such as a pleaded and proved increase in value or loss of profits, which was not done in this case. The trial judge was correct to use the 1984 value, as the appellant did not specifically plead or strictly prove any increase in value by the time of judgment. The evidence supported the finding that the first respondent was liable for conversion, but there was no evidence to hold the second respondent liable for the loss of property. However, the court found that the confusion and necessity to sue...

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part; measure of damages upheld; order as to costs varied.

Orders

  • The measure of damages for conversion remains as assessed by the High Court at the value as of the date of conversion.
  • The costs of the second respondent (Augustine Mbuga) in the appeal and in the court below are to be paid by the first respondent (Departed Asians Property Custodian Board).