[2002] UGCommC 18

[2002] UGCommC 18

The court found that the arbitrator exhibited bias by importing the concept of force majeure into the contract, which was not provided for in the agreement, and by failing to properly consider evidence of extraordinary circumstances (such as lack of murram) that affected the applicant's performance. The arbitrator's...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2002] UGCommC 18
Parties
Applicant: R. R. P (U) Limited; Respondent: Assist (U) Ltd
Court
Commercial Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Misc.Abitration Cause No. 4 of 2002
Procedural Posture
Miscellaneous Arbitration Cause / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Arbitral Award
Outcome
Application partially allowed; arbitral award set aside in part.
Legal Topics
Arbitral Award Challenge, Contractual Breach, Impartiality of Arbitrator, Damages Assessment
Source Language
en
Commercial and Corporate Alternative Dispute Resolution Arbitral Award Challenge Contractual Breach Impartiality of Arbitrator Damages Assessment

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

R. R. P (U) Limited

Applicant

Assist (U) Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Miscellaneous Arbitration Cause / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Arbitral Award

  1. 1 Whether the arbitral award should be set aside for partiality or bias of the arbitrator.
  2. 2 Whether the arbitrator failed to properly evaluate evidence and make appropriate awards for breach of contract and damages.
  3. 3 Whether the arbitrator erred in awarding payment for idle equipment and in the apportionment of costs.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the arbitrator exhibited bias by importing the concept of force majeure into the contract, which was not provided for in the agreement, and by failing to properly consider evidence of extraordinary circumstances (such as lack of murram) that affected the applicant's performance. The arbitrator's refusal to award damages to the applicant, despite finding a breach of contract by the respondent, was unjustified and demonstrated partiality. The court held that the award of UGX 40,851,720 in favour of the respondent was tainted by bias and must be set aside. Additionally, the arbitrator's decision to deny the applicant general damages for breach of contract was set aside....

Court Disposition

Application partially allowed; arbitral award set aside in part.

Orders

  • The award of UGX 40,851,720 in favour of the respondent is set aside.
  • The arbitrator's denial of general damages to the applicant is set aside; the applicant is entitled to claim general damages for breach of contract.