Download

Uganda Judgment

High Court of Uganda

Agard Didi v Baku Raphael (HCT-02-CV-MA-0117-2004) (HCT-02-CV-MA-0117-2004) [2006] UGHC 51 (30 January 2006)

On this page

Professional case brief

Research organized from the available case record

Source document

01

Holding and result

The court found that Order 15 rule 4 was not applicable as the applicant was not seeking a remedy for default in taking steps necessary for the progress of the suit. Regarding Order 15 rule 5, the court determined that the respondent had set down Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 for hearing and served the applicant, thus the case was not subject to dismissal for want of prosecution under that rule. However, the court noted that more than two years had elapsed without any party taking steps to proceed with the application, invoking Order 15 rule 6 to dismiss Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 on its own motion. Consequently, the interim order of stay of execution was vacated and the respondent was ordered to show cause why execution should not issue. No order as to costs was made.

Court disposition

application partly allowed

Orders

  • Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 is dismissed under Order 15 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
  • The interim order of stay of execution dated 16th September 2003 is vacated.
  • The respondent is ordered to show cause why execution should not issue.
  • No order as to costs.

02

Material facts

Parties

Agard Didi

Applicant Counsel: Paul Palia Kiapi

Baku Raphael Obudra

Respondent Counsel: Byamugisha Kamugisha

Amounts and remedies

  • Taxed Costs Awarded in Election Petition No. 4 of 2001: UGX 13,358,500

03

Procedural history

  1. Posture

    Miscellaneous Application / Ruling

04

Questions and positions

Legal issues

Party arguments

Applicant
The applicant argued that the respondent was granted an interim order of stay of execution but has since refused or neglected to fix the main application for hearing, thereby abusing court process and denying the applicant the fruits of his judgment, specifically recovery of taxed costs awarded in Election Petition No. 4 of 2001. The applicant sought to vacate the interim order, dismiss Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 for want of prosecution, and have the respondent ordered to show cause why execution should not issue, relying on Order 15 rules 4 and 5 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
Respondent
The respondent contended that he did not wilfully refuse to prosecute the application, but was unable to do so due to the absence of a trial judge at the High Court in Gulu. He argued that Order 15 rules 4 and 5 were not applicable since no time had been fixed by court for taking steps, and suggested that the applicant should set the application for hearing or dismissal. The respondent maintained that the interim order should remain until Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 is heard and proposed that each party bear their own costs.

05

Court’s reasoning

  1. 01

    Order 15 rule 4, Civil Procedure Rules

    Order 15 rule 4 empowers the court to proceed to decide the suit forthwith where a party defaults after being granted time to take steps necessary for the progress of the suit.

  2. 02

    Order 15 rule 5, Civil Procedure Rules

    Order 15 rule 5 allows the defendant to set down the suit for hearing or apply for dismissal for want of prosecution if the plaintiff fails to do so within the prescribed period.

  3. 03

    Order 15 rule 6, Civil Procedure Rules

    Order 15 rule 6 permits the court to dismiss a suit on its own motion if no application or step is taken by either party for a period of two years.

06

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

The court found that Order 15 rule 4 was not applicable as the applicant was not seeking a remedy for default in taking steps necessary for the progress of the suit. Regarding Order 15 rule 5, the court determined that the respondent had set down Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 for hearing and served the applicant, thus the case was not subject to dismissal for want of prosecution under that rule. However, the court noted that more than two years had elapsed without any party taking steps to proceed with the application, invoking Order 15 rule 6 to dismiss Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 on its own motion. Consequently, the interim order of stay of execution was vacated and the respondent was ordered to show cause why execution should not issue. No order as to costs was made.

Obiter and limits

  • The court clarified that Order 15 rule 6 does not require an application by any party before the court can dismiss a case for inactivity exceeding two years.
  • The court observed that the remedy sought by the applicant under Order 15 rule 4 was not available in the circumstances of this case.

Court disposition

application partly allowed

  • Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 is dismissed under Order 15 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
  • The interim order of stay of execution dated 16th September 2003 is vacated.
  • The respondent is ordered to show cause why execution should not issue.
  • No order as to costs.

Source and reliance status

High Court of Uganda

This page organises the available record for research. Confirm quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the official source before relying on the case.

Source document

Judgment reading view

Judgment text

The complete available source text.

Source document

High Court of Uganda

Judgment

[2006] UGHC 51

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f198\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f199\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f201\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f202\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f203\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f204\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f205\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f206\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph

Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext15 Style;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid157494 footer;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid157494 page number;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-1238455696\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440

}{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703 \'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li2880\jclisttab\tx2880\lin2880 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3600 \jclisttab\tx3600\lin3600 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li4320\jclisttab\tx4320\lin4320 }{\listlevel \levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5040\jclisttab\tx5040\lin5040 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5760\jclisttab\tx5760\lin5760

}{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li6480\jclisttab\tx6480\lin6480 }{\listname ;}\listid1367217809}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1367217809\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid157494 \rsid1712848\rsid6696548\rsid13267551\rsid13398712\rsid14179638}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\author jchemeri}{\operator Wor. Jessica chemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo7\dy16\hr10\min43} {\revtim\yr2008\mo7\dy16\hr10\min43}{\version2}{\edmins10}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1137}{\nofchars6485}{\*\company }{\nofcharsws7607}{\vern24689}}\paperw11907\paperh16840\margl1886\margr656\margb360 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\ApplyBrkRules\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot6310308\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid157494 \chftnsep \par

}}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid157494 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid157494 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid157494 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid157494\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13967002 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid157494 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid157494 1}}}{\cs17\insrsid157494 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\insrsid157494 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta

)}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid14179638\charrsid157494 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\b\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 .}{\b\insrsid14179638\charrsid157494 \par IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGAND AT GULU \par }{\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 HCT-02-CV-MA-0117-2004 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 AGARD DIDI:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::APPLICANT \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 VERSUS \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 BAKU

RAPHAEL::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{ \insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 :}{\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 RESPONDENT \par BEFORE: \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\b\insrsid13267551\charrsid157494 HON JUSTICE AUGUSTUS KANIA \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 RULING}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 The application which is made by Notice of Motion supported by the affidavit of Paul Palia Kiapi sworn on the 13}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 October 2004 is brought under the provisions of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13398712\charrsid157494 Section 98 of the C. P. A Order 48 rule 1 and Order 15 rules 4 and 5 of the C. P. R. By it the applicant is seeking the following orders;-}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 (i) The interim order of stay of execution issued by this Court on the

16}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 day of September 2003 be vacated or set aside. \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \fi-1886\li1886\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1886\itap0\pararsid157494 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 (ii) Miscellaneous Application No. 86 of 2003 be dismissed with costs for want of prosecution. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 (iii)The Respondent be ordered to show cause why execution should not }{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13398712\charrsid157494 issue.}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13398712\charrsid157494 (iv) Costs be provided for.}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 The grounds of the application are generally;- \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \s15\qj

\fi-360\li720\ri638\sb4\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar \jclisttab\tx720\tx1157\faauto\ls1\rin638\lin720\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 That on the 16}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 day of September 2003, the present Respondent was granted an Interim Order of stay of execution in Miscellaneous Application No. 0087/2003. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li720\ri979\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\faauto\ls1\rin979\lin720\itap0\pararsid157494 { \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 That the respondent has since refused and / or neglected }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 to fix the main application for }{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 stay of execution in M. A No. 0086/2003. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li720\ri427\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar \tx686\jclisttab\tx720\tx1219\faauto\ls1\rin427\lin720\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 That

the interim order has caused great injustice to the applicant because he has been denied the chance to recover his taxed costs of shs 13,358,500/= (Shillings thirteen million three hundred fifty eight thousand five hundred only) awarded to him in election Petition No, 4 of 200 1 where he was the successful first respondent. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li720\ri427\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\faauto\ls1\rin427\lin720\itap0\pararsid157494 { \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 It would be in the interest of justice if this application is allowed. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1867\margrsxn661\margtsxn1886\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj \pard\plain \s15\qj \li18\ri4\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin4\lin18\itap0\pararsid157494 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 Baku Raphael Obudra swore an affidavit in reply the highlights of which are that he did not }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494\charrsid157494

wilfully}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 refuse to prosecute the appeal but that on the contrary all his efforts to have the application heard have been futile because at the time there was no trial Judge at the High Court in Gulu. }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 The brief background to this application is that the applicant was the successful party in Election petition No. 4/2001. The applicant's bill of costs was taxed at shs 1 3,358,500/= and on 19/8/2003 a warrant of attachment was issued in respect of the Respondent property at plot 25 Okudi Road - Moyo Town Council. However on 17/09/2003 the applicant was served with an interim order for stay of execution which the responden t had obtained ex-parte in miscellaneous application 0087/2003. The respondent followed this }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6696548\charrsid157494 by filing in September 2003 Misc}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 . Application No. 86/2003 which has not been set down for hearing. Hence this application. }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 Mr. Paul Palia Kiapi, learned counsel fo r the applicant submitted that by failing to fix

miscellaneous Application No. 86/2003 for hearing the respondent is abusing Court process by denying the applicant the fruits of his Judgment. He prayed that the application be allowed under order 15 rules 4 and 5 of the C. P. R vacating the interim order staying execution and miscellaneous application No, 86/2003 be dismissed. He also prayed for the costs of this application. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li10\ri0\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin10\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 Mr. Byamugisha Kamugisha repeated the contents of the Respondents affidavit and submitted that the order 15 rules 4 and 5 are not available to the applicant because no time has been fixed by Court for taking steps and proposed that the applicant should instead set the application No. 86/2003 for hearing or dismissal. He contended that the interim order should subsist until Misc Application No. 86/2003 has been heard. Counsel submitted that each party should bear his costs. }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 Order 15 rules 4 and 5 on which the applicant relies in this application \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri9\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin9\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 provides \par }\pard

\s15\qj \li700\ri18\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin18\lin700\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 " 4}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 .}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 where any party to a suit to whom time has been granted to produce his evidence or to cause the attendance of his witnesses or to perform any other act necessary to the further progress of the suit for which time has been allowed, the court may not wit hstanding such default, proceed to decide the suit forth with. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li720\ri18\sb940\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\faauto\ls1\rin18\lin720\itap0\pararsid157494 { \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 If the plaintiff does not within eight weeks from the delivery of any defence, or where a counter claim is pleaded, then within Ten weeks from the delivery thereof, set down the suit for he aring, then the defendant may either set down the suit for hearing or apply to the Court to dismiss the suit for want of prosecution, and on the hearing of such application the court may order the suit to be dismissed accordingly or may make such order, and on such terms as to the court

may seem just". }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri18\sb940\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin18\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 With regard to Rule 4 above it appears to relate to cases where the plaintiff or party has been granted a period to do any of the things incidental to the further progress of the suit. In the face of such default by the plaintiff the Court is empowered to proceed to decide the suit forth with. This is not the remedy the applicant is praying. The applicant can't therefore take advantage of this rule. }{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 Rules 5 of Order concerns a case where t he plaintiff does not set down the case for hearing within eight weeks from the delivery of the defence or in the case where there is a counter claim, within ten weeks of the delivery of the defence. In such a situation the defendant may set down the case for hearing or apply to court to dismiss it for lack of prosecution. The last remedy is what the applicant seeks. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri33\sb897\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin33\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 To succeed under Order 15 rule 5, the applicant has to

show that the respondent/plaintiff did not set down the case for hearing within eight weeks or ten weeks from the delivery of the defence as the case may be. In the instant case, if the rule is applicable, the respondent/plaintiff filed miscellaneous application which is being sought to be dismissed on the 15/09/2003}{ \i\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 . }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 The same was se}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6696548\charrsid157494 t down for hearing for the 30/1}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 0/2003}{\i\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 and served upon counsel for the applicant per the affidavit of service Mugisha Ndizeya Gideon sworn on the 19}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 - 9 - 2003. In so far as the respondent set down the case for hearing as described above, the case is not subject to the operation of 015, r 5. My understanding is that the rule envisages a case where the plaintiff has never set it down for hearing. }{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par

}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 In the result the application is disallowed and each party shall pay his costs. However I have perused the provisions of Order 15 rule 6 which provides;- \par }\pard \s15\qj \li729\ri13\sb888\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin13\lin729\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 "6. In any case, not otherwise provided for, in which no application is made or step taken for a period of two years by either party with a view to proceeding with the suit the Court may order the suit to be dismissed. In such case the plaintiff may subject to the law of Limitation, bring a fresh case"

\par }\pard \s15\qj \li9\ri32\sb888\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin32\lin9\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 The a bove order does not envisage an application by any of the parties before the Court takes the step of dismissing the case. The Court may dismiss the suit on its own motion on realizing that in a particular case none of the parties has made or taken steps f or a period of two years with a view to proceeding with the suit. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri32\sb868\sl360\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin32\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 In the instant case Misc. App. 86/2003 was filed on the 15,09,2003 and fixed for hearing on the 30}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 /l 0/2003. There in nothing on record to show that either of the parties to that application has made an application or taken a step with a view to proceeding with the application. This is a period in excess of two years. This period is what is envisaged by 0.15 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Act. In the result on the Courts own motion Miscellaneous Application No. 00086/2003}{ \i\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494

}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 is hereby dismissed under 0.15 rule 6 of the C. P. R. The Interim Order of stay of Execution dated 16}{ \cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 th}{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 September 200 3 is vacated and the Respondent is hereby ordered to show cause why execution should not issue. I shall give no order as to costs. }{\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 SIGNED AUGUSTUS KANIA JUDGE }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid157494\charrsid157494 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 30/0112006 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid157494 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1712848\charrsid157494 \par }}

Source wording is retained. Consult the source document for its original formatting and pagination.

Authorities

Authorities used by the court

Cases, legislation, regulations, and constitutional provisions identified in the available record.

Section 98 of the Civil Procedure Act

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Order 48 rule 1, Civil Procedure Rules

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Order 15 rules 4, 5, and 6, Civil Procedure Rules

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Case-aware research

Ask AI about this case

The judgment and available research above are public. New questions open in a separate private conversation grounded in this case.

About this JurisAssist collection

This page organizes the available case record for research. Verify quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the source document. Corrections can be reported to hello@esheria.ai.

Legal information, not legal advice. Research summaries do not replace the judgment.