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Uganda Judgment

Commercial Court of Uganda

Agro Value Processors Impex (U) Ltd v Uganda Railways Corporation (HCT-00-CC-CS 251 of 2005) [2008] UGCommC 36 (25 June 2008)

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01

Holding and result

The court found that the Defendant, Uganda Railways Corporation, was not liable for the alleged loss of goods. The evidence showed that the container seals were intact upon arrival and verification, suggesting that any tampering or shortage occurred before the Defendant took possession. The loss adjuster's report was not supported by physical evidence such as photographs, and the Defendant's investigation indicated that the shortage could only be ascertained from records at the port of origin. The court also overruled the Defendant's preliminary objection regarding limitation, noting it was not raised at the earliest opportunity and the trial had already progressed. Ultimately, the Plaintiff failed to prove that the Defendant's agents or servants were responsible for the loss, and there was no breach of duty as a bailee. The suit was dismissed with costs to the Defendant.

Court disposition

suit dismissed

Orders

  • The suit against the Defendant is dismissed with costs to the Defendant.

02

Material facts

Parties

Agro Value Processors Impex (U) Ltd

Plaintiff Counsel: J. Luswata

Uganda Railways Corporation

Defendant Counsel: P. Ahimbisibwe

Amounts and remedies

  • Claimed Value of Lost Goods: UGX 21,985,000

03

Procedural history

  1. Posture

    Civil Suit / Judgment

04

Questions and positions

Legal issues

Party arguments

Applicant
The Plaintiff argued that the Defendant, Uganda Railways Corporation, was vicariously liable for the loss of 530 cartons of enamel ware from container No. PCIU967519-7, which was allegedly tampered with while in the Defendant's possession. The Plaintiff relied on the loss adjuster's report indicating tampering and claimed the Defendant's agents acted in the course of employment, causing the loss. The Plaintiff sought compensation for the value of the lost goods, interest, general damages, and costs, asserting the suit was properly instituted under subrogation for Jubilee Insurance Company.
Respondent
The Defendant denied liability, contending that all container seals were found intact during verification in the presence of customs, police, and clearing agents. The Defendant argued that there was no evidence of theft or tampering by its agents and that the Plaintiff was bound by the usual terms of carriage. The Defendant also raised a preliminary objection that the suit was time-barred under Section 52 of the Uganda Railways Corporation Act, as it was filed more than twelve months after the alleged loss.

05

Court’s reasoning

  1. 01

    Section 52, Uganda Railways Corporation Act (CAP 31)

    Actions against Uganda Railways Corporation must be commenced within twelve months of the alleged act, neglect, or default.

  2. 02

    Order 6 rule 28 and 29, Civil Procedure Rules

    Points of law may be raised by pleadings and disposed of at or after hearing; preliminary objections should be raised at the earliest opportunity.

  3. 03

    Common law of bailment

    A bailee is liable for loss or damage to goods in its possession unless it can prove absence of negligence or breach of duty.

  4. 04

    Major General David Tinyefunza v Attorney General, Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 1999; Evenett vs Ribbands and Another [1952] 2 QB 198

    The effect of preliminary objections and their timing in litigation.

06

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

The court found that the Defendant, Uganda Railways Corporation, was not liable for the alleged loss of goods. The evidence showed that the container seals were intact upon arrival and verification, suggesting that any tampering or shortage occurred before the Defendant took possession. The loss adjuster's report was not supported by physical evidence such as photographs, and the Defendant's investigation indicated that the shortage could only be ascertained from records at the port of origin. The court also overruled the Defendant's preliminary objection regarding limitation, noting it was not raised at the earliest opportunity and the trial had already progressed. Ultimately, the Plaintiff failed to prove that the Defendant's agents or servants were responsible for the loss, and there was no breach of duty as a bailee. The suit was dismissed with costs to the Defendant.

Obiter and limits

  • Preliminary objections on points of law should be raised at the earliest stage, preferably at the close of pleadings, to avoid unnecessary litigation.
  • The presence of intact seals on the container objectively suggests that any tampering occurred before the Defendant's possession.
  • Super glue is widely known for domestic use and its alleged use in tampering with container doors is not credible without supporting evidence.

Court disposition

suit dismissed

  • The suit against the Defendant is dismissed with costs to the Defendant.

Source and reliance status

Commercial 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.

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Judgment text

The complete available source text.

Source document

Commercial Court of Uganda

Judgment

[2008] UGCommC 36

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\li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\fs16\insrsid11959381\charrsid7810519 Commercial Court Division \par }}{\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16480754 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst { \cs16\insrsid11959381 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16154521 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid11959381 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 {\i\fs16\insrsid11959381\charrsid7810519 HCT-00-CC-CS-251-2005 \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 \s17\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \fs20\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f38\fs26\ulnone\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par \par }\pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \b\f35\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA

\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 (COMMERCIAL COURT DIVISION) \par \par }\pard\plain \s9\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel8\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \b\f35\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 HCT - 00 - CC - C}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 S}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 - }{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 25}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 1 - 200}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 5}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard\plain \s6\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \b\f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 AGRO VALUE PROCESSORS IMPEX

(U) LTD :::::::::}{ \b\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 :::::}{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 :: PLAINTIFF \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 VERSUS \par \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 UGANDA RAILWAYS CORPORATION :::::::::::::::::::::::: DEFENDANT \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\b\f38\fs16\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7810519 {\b\f38\ul\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 BEFORE THE HON. JUSTICE GEOFFREY KIRYABWIRE \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761 {\b\f38\fs32\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\b\f39\fs32\ul\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 J U D G M E N T \par }{\b\f38\fs20\ul\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 The Plaintiff Company M/s Agro Value Processors Impex (U) Ltd brought this case against the Defendant Uganda Railways Corporation a statutory corporation seeking the payment of

t he sum of (U) Shs. 21,985,000/= being the value of the goods lost by the defendant, interest on the amount, general damages and costs. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 The suit was instituted by the Plaintiff for the benefit of Jubilee Insurance Company of Uganda (the Insurance Company) under the law of subrogation. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 The brief facts of the case are that sometime in December 2003, the Plaintiff contacted the Defendant to transport its consignment of enamel ware by rail from Mombasa to Kampala \endash Uganda. In the consignment to be transported to Kampala was container No. PCIU 967519-7 which contained 925 cartons of enamel ware. The consignment was delivered by the Plaintiff at the Defendant\rquote s railways goods shed in the first week of July 2003 and at the certification which was witnessed by Customs officials, the Plaintiff\rquote s officials, Clearing and Forwarding agents and Railway police. The Plaintiff claims that it was found that the container had been tampered with by the agent of the Defendant acting in the course of their employment and as a r esult the said container had 530 cartons less. The Plaintiff therefore holds the Defendant vicariously liable for the acts of its agents which caused loss to the

Plaintiff. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 The Defendant, however, denies liability and avers that at the time of verificatio n when the container was opened in the presence of a customs official, police officer, a clearing agent of the Plaintiff and the Defendant\rquote s officials all the seals }{\f38\fs26\insrsid15229923 on the container }{ \f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 were found intact. The Defendant also denies that the said goods or any part thereof were stolen by its agents whilst at its goods shed or tampered by the Defendant\rquote s agents as alleged, and avers that the Insurance Company did not suffer any loss occasioned by it or its agents and that its not liable to pay (U) Shs. 21,985,000/= to the Plaintiff. The Defendant also further averred that the Plaintiff is bound by their usual terms of carriage of goods and thus there was no breach of its duty as a bailee. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 The issues for trial were as follows \endash \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \hich\af38\dbch\af0\loch\f38 1.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1080\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1080\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1080\itap0\pararsid8800761 { \f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519

Whether container No. PCIU967519-7 was tampered with while in possession of the Defendant.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761 \par }\pard \qj \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7810519 {\f38\fs8\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \hich\af38\dbch\af0\loch\f38 2.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1080\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1080\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1080\itap0\pararsid8800761 { \f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 Whether any goods contained in the said container were stolen by the Defendant\rquote s agents/servants and what was their value.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761 \par }\pard \qj \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid7810519 {\f38\fs8\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \hich\af38\dbch\af0\loch\f38 3.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1080\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1080\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1080\itap0\pararsid8800761 { \f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 Whether the Plaintiff is entitled to compensation from Defendant. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8800761

{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 \par Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 J. Luswata appeared for the Plaintiffs while Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761\charrsid7810519 P. Ahimbisibwe appeared for the Defendants}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid8800761 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 Before I address the above issues for resolution I need to address an objection as to a point of law that was raised by counsel for the defendant after the commencement of the trial (during the plaintiff\rquote s case) and again during the submissions. It was the contention of counsel that the matter before court is illegal as it is barred by the law of limitation as far as it was filed after twelve (12) months from the time t he alleged cause of action arose in contravention of Section 52 of the Uganda Railways Corporation Act (CAP 31). \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 This section provides that :- \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519

\'93}{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 where any action or other legal proceedings is commenced against the corporation in any act done in pursuance o f execution, or intended execution of this Act or any public duty or authority in respect of any neglect or default in execution of this Act or of any such duty or authority, the following provisions shall have effect:- \par {\listtext\pard\plain\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \hich\af38\dbch\af0\loch\f38 (a)\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls3\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5384357 { \i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \'85. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \hich\af38\dbch\af0\loch\f38 (b)\tab}The action or legal proceedings s hall not lie or be instituted unless it is commenced within twelve months after the act, neglect or default complained of or in the case of a continuing injury or damage, within six (6) months after its cessation.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\i\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 It was the Defendant\rquote s

contention and su bmission that having established that 530 cartons were allegedly missing on 9}{\f38\fs26\super\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 th}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 July 2003, the Plaintiff\rquote s alleged cause of action against the Defendant arose on the said date and therefore ought to have filed the suit on or before 9}{\f38\fs26\super\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 th}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 July 2004, in the pr emises of Section 52 of the Uganda Railways Corporation Act and not on the 21}{\f38\fs26\super\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 st}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 March 2005. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 In answer to this counsel for the Plaintiff in his submissions opposed the objection and noted that this issue was fit for preliminary trial as a preliminary objec tion. That the earliest time should have been at the time of the scheduling. That the point was not raised at that time and thus it cannot be raised now. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 The releva}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 nt rules relating to these}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 objectio}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 ns can be found on Order 6

rule}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 28 of the }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 C}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 ivil }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 P}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 rocedure }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 R}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 ules (CPR)}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 . \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 Order 6 }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 rule 28}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 provides that any party shall be entitled to raise by his pleadings any point of law and any point of law so raised shall be disposed of by the court at or after hearing; provided that by the consent of the parties, or by or der of the court on the application of either party, the same may be set down for hearing and disposed of at anytime before the hearing. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 Order 6 rule 29}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 provides that}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs4\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7810519

{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \'93}{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 if in the opinion of the court, the decision of such point of law substantially dispos es of the whole suit, or of any distinct cause of action, ground or defence, set-off, counterclaim, or reply therein; the court may there upon dismiss the suit or make such other order there in as may be just.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\i\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 The effect of the rules referred to above were considered by the Supreme Court in the}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 case of }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 Major General David }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 Tinyefunza and}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 the Attorney General}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 1999 }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 [Unreported] where at the commencement of the hearing of the petition by this court, three preliminary objections were raised by the Attorney General. }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 Oder JSC}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 (as he then

was)}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 had this to say on the effect of the }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 rules:}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs4\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \'93 In my view, the effect of the rules under orders referred to appears to be this: the Defendant in a suit or the Respondent in a petition may ra ise a preliminary objection before or at the commencement of the hearing of the suit or petition that the plaint or petition discloses no reasonable cause of action.\'94 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 The majority of the Justices of the Supreme Court}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 in the }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid4281382\charrsid15229923 Tinyefunza}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid4281382\charrsid15229923 case}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 (supra)}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 cited with approval the speech of }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid5384357\charrsid15229923 Romer L. J}{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid15229923

.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 in the case of }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 Evenett vs Ribbands and Another}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 [1952] 2QB 198 at 206}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 where he stated}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 ; \par }{\f38\fs8\insrsid4281382\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \'93 For myself, I think it is a pity that point was not set down as a preliminary one; I understand it was estimated to last three days\rquote and I can well believe it would. The point of law if decided, as has been against the Plaintiff, would have been decisive of the case. Although there may have been good reason for not applying, I would have thought this was the very class of case in wh ich an application ought to have been made under Order 25 rule 2 to have the point determined before the hearing \'85 . And have the question decided at that very early stage. I think that where you have a point of law, which, if decided in one was is going to be decisive of litigation, then advantage}{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid2111754 }{ \i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 ought to }{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid15229923 be taken of facilities afforded\'85

}{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 to have it disposed of at}{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 the close of pleadings.\'94 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5384357 {\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 In this particular case the point of law sought to be relied on was not pleaded by the Defendants who instead filed a comprehensive defence to the case and allow}{\f38\fs26\insrsid15229923 ed}{\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 the matter to go to trial. In such a situation Order 6 rule 29 of the CPR gives the Court several options of actions including }{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 \'93\'85 to make such orders in the suit as}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 }{\i\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 may be just\'85\'94}{\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 I find that the trial having progressed as it did}{\f38\fs26\insrsid6818238\charrsid7810519 ,}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 this objection was an afterthought which should have been brought at the earliest opportunity which it was not. The just thing to do in the}{\f38\fs26\insrsid6818238\charrsid7810519 se}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 circumstan}{\f38\fs26\insrsid6818238\charrsid7810519 ces therefore is to over rule the

objection }{\f38\fs26\insrsid9981905\charrsid7810519 and continue to resolve the dispute a s defended in the written Statement of defence.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7810519 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 Issue No. 1: }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 Whether container No. PCIU90519-7 was tampered with }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 \par }{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 \tab }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 while in possession of the defendant}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5506630 {\f38\fs20\ul\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 Mr B. N. Bhattacharya (PW2) a Loss adjuster, gave evidence that he had inspected the container on 9}{\f38\fs26\super\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 th}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 July 2003 at the Railways goods shed, Kampala. Mr Bhattacharya in his capacity as a loss adjuster made a survey report No. M8/21/03 Exhibit P.5. He gave evidence that he had found during his inspection of the container that the padlock number was di fferent and it would not be

opened with the insured\rquote s key. He also found stains of super glue on the door rivet. He said that it was proved that the rivet was cut neatly without disturbing the doors seals and the cargo was then stolen. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 Bhattacharya also referred to photographs which were taken during the inspection; however these were not produced in evidence.}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 In his report (Exhibit P 5) Mr. Bhattacharya advised }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 that the}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 carrier and the defendant should be held responsible for this loss.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 For }{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 the defence}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 however Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 B}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 rogan Musana (DW1) the Senior Marketing Officer of the Defendant Corporation relying on}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 the tally sheet Exhibit P.6, which was filled in during the verification}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519

exercise}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 of the containers}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 (which was}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 witnessed by a customs official, police office }{\f38\fs26\insrsid2111754 r}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 , a clearing agent of the Plaintiff and the Defendants officials}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 ) testified that all}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 the seals}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 on the container}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 were found }{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 to be }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 intact. There was no mention of any tampering in any way. }{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 He further testified that the}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 police report}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 (}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 Exhib}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 it D.1) also}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 disclosed that the seals of the container were found intact.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid2379486\charrsid7810519 It was therefore his testimony that it was not the defendants who were responsible for the alleged theft.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 I

have}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 perused the pleadings, the evidence and the submissions of both }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 counsels}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 i}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 n this case. It appears}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 that the dispute revolves}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 not so much}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 }{ \f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 around whether}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 or not the container was tampered with}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 but rather whether the defendant was responsible for this}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 . }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 A comparison of the shipping documents (the bill of lading Exhibit P 8) and the tally sheets confirm that the container had a short lading of 530 cartons of Enamel ware.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5795952\charrsid7810519 From the evidence Exhibit D1 Mr Musana for the defendants traveled to Mombasa to investigate this loss and wrote a report dated 13}{\f38\fs26\super\insrsid5795952\charrsid7810519 th}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5795952\charrsid7810519 February, 2006. In that report he observed that the container in question was not weighed in at the

Changamwe (I believe in}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 western}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5795952\charrsid7810519 Kenya}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 near the coast}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5795952\charrsid7810519 ) rail weighbridge which was strange.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 He concluded in his report that the shortage could only be }{ \f38\fs26\insrsid2111754 ascertained }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 from the Kilindini Port records in Kenya. Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 Musana concludes that the defendant cannot therefore be held liable for the loss.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 I am inclined to believe the evidence of Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 Musana in this regard. The fact that the sea}{\f38\fs26\insrsid11230063\charrsid7810519 ls were found intact objectively suggests that any tampering took place before the seals were put in place and not after. I also agree with the testimony of Mr}{\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 .}{\f38\fs26\insrsid11230063\charrsid7810519 Musana that it is difficult to believe that the container doors were removed }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 from }{\f38\fs26\insrsid11230063\charrsid7810519 the hinges and

}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 put back with }{ \i\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 \'93super glue\'94}{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 which is widely known to be for domestic use contrary to Exhibit P5.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5793526\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4665400\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 I accordingly}{\f38\fs26\insrsid5506630\charrsid7810519 find that the container No. PCIU 90591-7 was never tampered with while in the possession of the Defendants. \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid7810519 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 Issue No. 2: }{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid7810519 \tab }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 Whether }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 any g}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 oods }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 c}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 ontained }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 i}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 n }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 t}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 he }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 s}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 aid }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 c}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 ontainer

}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 w}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 ere }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 s}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 tolen }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 b}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 y }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 t}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 he }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 d}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 efendant\rquote s }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 a}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 gents/}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 s}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 ervants }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 a}{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 nd }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 w}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 hat }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 w}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 as }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 t}{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 heir }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 v}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519\charrsid7810519 alue}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid7810519 .}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4487599 {\f38\fs20\ul\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 Given my findings in issue No 1 I answer this second issue in the

negative as there is no evidence to suggest that agents or servants of the defendant stol}{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 e the plaintiff\rquote s goods. }{\f38\fs26\insrsid4487599\charrsid7810519 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 \par }\pard \qj \fi-2160\li2160\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid14161629 {\b\f38\fs26\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 Issue No. 3: \tab }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 Whether }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 t}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 he }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 p}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 laintiff }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 i}{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 s }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 e}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 ntitled }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 t}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 o }{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 c}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 ompensation }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 f}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 rom }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 t}{ \b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 he }{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629 d}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 efendant}{\b\f38\fs26\ul\insrsid13653648\charrsid14161629 \par }\pard \qj

\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13653648 {\f38\fs20\ul\insrsid13653648\charrsid14161629 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 The Plaintiff in his pleadings prayed for the}{\f38\fs26\insrsid14161629 payment of the sum of (U) Shs.}{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 21,985,000/= }{\f38\fs26\insrsid2111754 the}{ \f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 equivalent of the value of the goods lost, interest on the amount, general damages and costs. \par }{\f38\fs20\insrsid13653648\charrsid14161629 \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 Whereas there is ev idence to suggest that the plaintiff incurred this loss there is no evidence that the defendants should be held liable for the loss. I according therefore dismiss this suit against the defendant with costs \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4487599 {\f38\fs16\insrsid13653648\charrsid2783724 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2783724 {\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 Geoffrey Kiryabwire}{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648 \par }{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid14161629\charrsid14161629 JUDGE \par }{\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid7810519 \par }{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid13653648\charrsid2783724 Date}{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid8415032\charrsid2783724 :}{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid2111754\charrsid2783724 }{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid11959381\charrsid2783724 26/06/08}{\b\f38\fs26\insrsid5384357\charrsid2783724 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f38\fs26\insrsid9994011 \par }}

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Authorities

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

Major General David Tinyefunza v Attorney General, Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 1999

Case cited

Evenett vs Ribbands and Another [1952] 2 QB 198

Case cited

Uganda Railways Corporation Act (CAP 31) Section 52

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Civil Procedure Rules Order 6 rule 28 and 29

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