The Industrial Court declared NSSF’s witness hostile and allowed UTL to cross-examine him, finding the respondents’ interests were adverse on statutory contributions.
Mbambu Grace v Baluku Christopher and Bwambale Tadeo (Miscellaneous Application 33 of 2024) [2025] UGHC 403 (10 March 2025)
Court
High Court of Uganda
Case number
Miscellaneous Application 33 of 2024
Judge
David S.L. Makumbi, J
The court found that the applicant was in possession of the suit property at the time of attachment and held a recognized interest as a spouse residing in the matrimonial home. The evidence established that the property was not held in trust for the judgment debtor, and the applicant's possession was not disputed. The court held that technical defects in service did not result in injustice, as the respondent was able to respond within the prescribed time. The applicant's locus standi was affirmed based on her interest as a spouse and resident. The court applied the principles governing object…
Muwonge v Uganda (Criminal Appeal 60 of 2022) [2025] UGHCCRD 12 (8 March 2025)
Court
HC: Criminal Division (Uganda)
Case number
Criminal Appeal 60 of 2022
Judge
Elubu, J
The court found that while the practice is to avoid maximum sentences for first offenders, it is not unlawful to impose such sentences where the circumstances justify it, such as in cases involving breach of trust, sophisticated fraud, or significant impact on the victim. The trial magistrate provided cogent reasons for the sentences imposed, including the rampant nature of the offences and the need for deterrence. The appellant was treated as a first offender, and his guilty plea was considered, but the overall criminality warranted the sentences given. The sentences were ordered to run conc…
Kiwanuka v Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda (Reference No.8 of 2020) [2025] EACJ 3 (7 March 2025) (First Instance Division)
Court
East African Court of Justice
Case number
Reference No.8 of 2020
Judge
Kasanda J, Masara PJ, Muhumuza J, Wejuli DPJ
The Court found that the presidential directives issued in March 2020 to combat COVID-19 were lawful under Uganda's Constitution and the Public Health Act, as they were subsequently formalized through statutory instruments and aligned with WHO recommendations. While the lack of prior notification to EAC Partner States constituted a procedural breach of the Common Market Protocol, the health emergency context justified immediate action. Enforcement by UPDF, UPF, and LDU was authorized under constitutional provisions for emergency cooperation and did not breach the Treaty, as the Applicant fail…
Njumba v Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda (Reference No.22 of 2020) [2025] EACJ 4 (7 March 2025) (First Instance Division)
Court
East African Court of Justice
Case number
Reference No.22 of 2020
Judge
Kasanda J, Masara PJ, Muhumuza J, Wejuli DPJ
The Court found that the Reference was filed outside the two-month limitation period prescribed by Article 30(2) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The cause of action arose in 2016 when the lease agreement for the disputed land was executed and the alleged violations commenced. The Applicant had knowledge of the relevant facts well before July 2020, as evidenced by prior Ugandan court proceedings and correspondence. The Court rejected the Applicant's argument that the time should run from receipt of NEMA's letter, holding that the limitation period begins when…
DFCU Bank (U) Limited v Takumara & 4 Others (Miscellaneous Application 525 of 2024) [2025] UGCommC 25 (7 March 2025)
Court
Commercial Court of Uganda
Case number
Miscellaneous Application 525 of 2024
Judge
Harriet Grace Magala, J
The High Court allowed DFCU Bank’s application to consolidate two pending commercial suits over related loan and mortgage disputes involving similar facts and issues.
The court found that the restructuring exercise, including the compression of salary grades and placement of the appellant in grade 10, was lawful, organization-wide, and did not target the appellant individually. The evidence showed that the appellant's salary was enhanced, not diminished, and that all staff were affected equally by the restructuring. The appellant failed to demonstrate discrimination based on any protected attribute under Article 21 of the Constitution or Section 5 of the Employment Act. The Labour Officer properly evaluated the evidence and law, and there was no basis for…
Namugwanya v Ssendagala (Civil Suit 694 of 2018) [2025] UGHCLD 45 (7 March 2025)
Court
HC: Land Division (Uganda)
Case number
Civil Suit 694 of 2018
Judge
Busingye, J
The court found that the plaintiff, Sarah Namugwanya, is the lawful owner of the suit land, having acquired it from Israel Ntanda after conducting due diligence, including consulting local authorities and reviewing relevant agreements. The plaintiff holds a certificate of title, which is conclusive evidence of ownership under Ugandan law, and there was no sufficient evidence of fraud attributable to her. The defendant, Amon Ssendagala, failed to prove that the plaintiff's acquisition was fraudulent or that she had notice of any adverse interest beyond what was disclosed and resolved in prior…
Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda v Kiwanuka (Application No.24 of 2024) [2025] EACJ 2 (7 March 2025) (First Instance Division)
Court
East African Court of Justice
Case number
Application No.24 of 2024
Judge
Kasanda J, Masara PJ, Muhumuza J, Wejuli DPJ
The Court found that the Applicant demonstrated sufficient cause for the delay in filing additional Affidavits and written submissions, as the challenges in obtaining information from Government institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic were genuinely beyond the Applicant's control. The Court considered the public importance of the Reference and the evidence of diligence, including correspondence with Government officials. The Respondent's filing of responses and rejoinders without protest mitigated claims of prejudice. The Court exercised its discretion under Rule 5 and Rule 4 to validate th…
