[2023] UGHCCD 343

[2023] UGHCCD 343

The court found that the 1st Defendant's blasting and quarrying activities constituted a nuisance, as they caused substantial and unreasonable interference with the Plaintiff's use and enjoyment of her land, resulting in physical damage, loss of livestock, and closure of her business. The Plaintiff had proprietary...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] UGHCCD 343
Parties
Plaintiff: Anne Rose Mary Owor; Defendant: Hammerline Extractions Ltd; Defendant: National Environment Management Authority
Court
HC: Civil Division (Uganda)
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Suit 648 of 2016
Procedural Posture
Civil Suit / Judgment
Outcome
judgment_for_plaintiff
Judges
Nambayo, J
Legal Topics
Private Nuisance, Land Use Conflict, Environmental Regulation, Compensation for Damage, Statutory Duties of Regulators
Source Language
en
Tort Law Environmental Law Private Nuisance Land Use Conflict Environmental Regulation Compensation for Damage Statutory Duties of Regulators

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Anne Rose Mary Owor

Plaintiff

Hammerline Extractions Ltd

Defendant

National Environment Management Authority

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Suit / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the activities of the 1st Defendant at Buntaba village in Mukono District amount to nuisance.
  2. 2 Whether the Plaintiff is liable in contributory negligence for her actions.
  3. 3 Whether the 2nd Defendant failed in its statutory duties as enshrined in the law in relation to the land at Buntaba Village in Mukono District.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the 1st Defendant's blasting and quarrying activities constituted a nuisance, as they caused substantial and unreasonable interference with the Plaintiff's use and enjoyment of her land, resulting in physical damage, loss of livestock, and closure of her business. The Plaintiff had proprietary interest and took reasonable steps to prevent harm, negating contributory negligence. The 2nd Defendant fulfilled its statutory duties by issuing improvement notices and responding to complaints, and was not culpable. The Plaintiff proved special damages and was entitled to general damages and a permanent injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from further nuisance. Punitive...

Court Disposition

judgment_for_plaintiff

Orders

  • It is declared that the 1st Defendant's blasts and excavations caused a nuisance on the Plaintiff's farm.
  • The 1st Defendant is ordered to pay the Plaintiff Ugshs. 73,400,000 as special damages.