Uganda Case Law

Dawson v Onslow (C.A. 23/1931.)

Dawson v Onslow (C.A. 23/1931.) [1931] EACA 7 (1 January 1931)

Court

East African Court of Appeal

Case number

C.A. 23/1931.

Judge

Barth, C.J (Kenya), Griffin C.J. (Uganda),, Thomas, J. (Kenya)

The respondent, as manager of the property, was personally responsible for the fire started on the land under his control. The law imposes a duty on anyone who starts a fire to prevent its escape, and failure to do so results in liability for resulting damage. The trial judge's finding that the respondent was not negligent was incorrect, as the precautions taken were insufficient given the magnitude of the fire. The statutory duty under the Prevention of Disease Ordinance, 1930, did not apply, as there was no evidence the property was in a proclaimed area, and the Ordinance did not specifical…

Source excerpt

• Negligence
• Liability For Fire
• Duty Of Care
• Statutory Duty
• Damage To Property