Boutique Shazim Ltd V Norattam Bhatia & Anor (Civil Appeal No. 36/07) [2009] UGCA 45 (8 October 2009)

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Justice C. K Byamugisha}{\operator skivumbi}{\creatim\yr2009\mo10\dy15\hr10\min34}{\revtim\yr2009\mo10\dy15\hr10\min34}{\printim\yr2009\mo10\dy8\hr10\min40}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages8}{\nofwords2149}{\nofchars12251}{\nofcharsws14372} {\vern24689}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace120\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow2\dgvshow2 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot7417671\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2440682 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2440682 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2440682 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2440682 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod10\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid16597788\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12387286 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid10373115 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14693498 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid10373115 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid10373115 \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\pararsid14693498 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\i0\insrsid5530623\charrsid14693498 \par }{\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA \par AT KAMPALA \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\ul\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 CORAM:}{\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 HON. JUSTICE L. E. M. MUKASA-KIKONYOGO, DCJ.

\par }{\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 }{\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 HON. JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA. \par HON. JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\i0\ul\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 CIVIL APPEAL NO.36/07 \par \par }{\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 BETWEEN \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\b0\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 BOUTIQUE SHAZIM LTD::::::::::::::::::::::::::::APPELLANT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 AND \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\b0\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 NORATTAM BHATIA \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}HEMANTINI}{\b0\i0\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 }{\b0\i0\insrsid4197870\charrsid14693498 BHATIA:::::::::::::::::::::::::RESPONDENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\b0\i0\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 [Appeal from the decision and orders of the High }{\insrsid12387286\charrsid14693498 Court (}{\i0\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 Aweri-Opio J)}{\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 dated 27}{ \super\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 th}{\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 September 2005 in Miscellaneous Application No.505/04 arising from HCCS No.411/98] \par \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid11953899\charrsid14693498 JUDGMENT OF BYAMUGISHA, JA. \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 This is a first appeal from the ruling and orders of the High Court wherein the appellant\rquote s suit was struck out for being }{\b0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 res judicata. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 The brief facts of the case were summarized in the joint conferencing memorandum filed in this court on 10}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 August 2009.

\par The appellant filed HCCS No. 910 of 1999 against Nipun Bhatia, the respondents\rquote attorney, seeking specific performance of a contract of sale of property situated at plot 12 Buganda Road, Kampala. \par The appellant then filed Miscellaneous Application No. 47/97 under Order 1 rule 10(2),(4) of the Civil Procedure Rules seeking to substitute Nipun Bhatia with the respondents as defendants. \par The application was heard and dismissed by Mukanza J on 14}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 April 1998. In the same ruling the learned judge struck out the suit for not disclosing a cause of action.

\par The appellant filed a fresh suit }{\b0\i0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 No. 411/98 against the respondents seeking the same reliefs of specific performance.}{\b0\i0\insrsid6906502\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 On 29}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 June 2004 the respondents filed Chamber Summons under Order 7 rule 11 seeking the rejection of the plaint for being statute \endash barred on ground of }{\b0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 res judicata. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 The application was heard by Aweri \endash Opio J. who struck out the suit for being }{\b0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 res judicata }{\b0\i0\insrsid15008734\charrsid14693498 in view of the earlier ruling of Mukanza J. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid16007871\charrsid14693498 The appellant was aggrieved and filed the instant appeal with one ground of appeal namely }{\i0\insrsid16007871\charrsid14693498 whether HCCS No 411/98 was barred by }{\insrsid16007871\charrsid14693498 res judicata. \par }{\insrsid1471365\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10171906\charrsid14693498 The respondents filed a notice of grounds affirming the decision of the High Court under }{\insrsid10171906\charrsid14693498 Rule 92 }{\b0\i0\insrsid10171906\charrsid14693498 of the }{ \i0\insrsid10171906\charrsid14693498 Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules) Directions- S. I No.13-10. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10171906\charrsid14693498 The ground is that the plaint does not disclose a cause of action. \par Both parties filed conferencing notes and legal arguments. They also made oral submissions. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid1471365\charrsid14693498 Mr Nerima learned counsel for the appellant}{\b0\i0\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 , submitted}{\b0\i0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 on the provisions of section 7 of the Civil Procedure Act with regard }{ \b0\i0\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 to }{\b0\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 res}{\b0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 judicata}{\b0\i0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 . Learned counsel enumerated the ingredients as }{ \b0\i0\insrsid1471365\charrsid14693498 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (i)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1080\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx1080\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1080\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\b0\i0\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 The}{\b0\i0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 matter was in issue in the former suit. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}Parties were the same or their representatives in the former suit. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iii)\tab}Court of competent jurisdiction. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (iv)\tab}The matter must have been heard and finally decided. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\b0\i0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 \par He stated that apart from the jurisdiction of the High Court, the rest of the ingredients were not satisfied. On the parties counsel submitted that the first suit was between the appellant and an attorney of the respondents while the second suit is against the respondents}{\b0\i0\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 . He further stated that a donee cannot sue as a plaintiff or be sued as a defendant. He asserted that any proceedings brought against an attorney are a nullity. He cited the case of }{\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 Ayigihugu &Co Advocates v Mary Muteteri Munyankindi [1988- 90}{\insrsid12613948\charrsid14693498 ] HCB}{\insrsid15492649\charrsid14693498 }{\insrsid12613948\charrsid14693498 161}{\b0\i0\insrsid12613948\charrsid14693498 for his assertion.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid15415169\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid12613948\charrsid14693498 He disagreed with the learned judge when he held that the parties were litigating under the same title. \par He further submitted that the suit was not heard and finally determined. He stated that what was before Mukanza J was an application for substitution of parties and not the main suit and the j udge rightly rejected the application. In the ruling, counsel went on to state, the judge made some observation}{\b0\i0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 regarding the merits of the suit. Those observations were }{\b0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 obiter dicta }{\b0\i0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 as the breach of contract was not before the trial judge for determinatio n and the parties did not address him about it. He claimed that the views and comments of the judge were not meant to decide the merits of the case.}{\b0\i0\insrsid12613948\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 On }{\b0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 res judicata}{\b0\i0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 counsel cited the decision of this Court in the case of }{\insrsid4619561\charrsid14693498 Lt David Kabarebe v Major Prossy Nalweyiso CACA No.34/03}{\b0\i0\insrsid5513140\charrsid14693498 where this court held to give effect to the plea of }{\b0\insrsid5513140\charrsid14693498 res judicata}{\b0\i0\insrsid5513140\charrsid14693498 , the matter directly and substantially in issue must have been heard and finally disposed of in the former suit.}{\b0\i0\insrsid6114278\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid5513140\charrsid14693498 He invited court to allow the ground \par \par On the ground of affirming the decision of the court, Mr Nerima submitted that the suit was struck out for res judicata and not for not disclosing a cause of action and parties did not address court on it.}{\b0\i0\insrsid7940759\charrsid14693498 He however stated that a cause of action was disclosed. He cited the case of }{\insrsid7940759\charrsid14693498 Auto Garage &others vMotokov [1972] EA 514}{\insrsid5513140\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid7940759\charrsid14693498 He prayed that the appeal be allowed with costs and that the file be remitted to the High Court to be heard by another judge. \par \par In reply, Mr Byenkya, learned counsel for the respondent, opposed the appeal}{\b0\i0\insrsid2713198\charrsid14693498 and stated that the ruling of Mukanza J is a valid ruling and he made observations o}{\b0\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 n matters that were before him}{\b0\i0\insrsid5340037\charrsid14693498 . H}{\b0\i0\insrsid2713198\charrsid14693498 e further submitted that the parties were the same}{\b0\i0\insrsid1985584\charrsid14693498 and there was a nexus between the parties.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid7940759\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid1985584\charrsid14693498 He conceded that the application before Mukan za J was for substitution of parties and the main suit was not called for hearing but he contended that an interlocutory application is filed under a suit and therefore it cannot be said that the main suit did not come in issue. \par He supported the decision of the }{\b0\i0\insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 judge which he claimed was made on merit and that no appeal was preferred against it.}{\b0\i0\insrsid1985584\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 \par On the cause of action, learned counsel submitted}{\b0\i0\insrsid5340037\charrsid14693498 that}{\b0\i0\insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 the plaint does not aver that the defendants did anything wrong. He relied on the case of }{ \insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 Attorney General }{\insrsid11422516\charrsid14693498 v}{\insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 Major General David Tinyefuza- Constitutional Petition No.1/}{\insrsid11422516\charrsid14693498 97 }{ \b0\i0\insrsid11422516\charrsid14693498 in}{\b0\i0\insrsid4011803\charrsid14693498 which the Supreme Court defined what amounts to a cause of action. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11422516\charrsid14693498 \par Mr Nerima in a brief reply submitted that the appellant had a right to bring a fresh suit instead of appealing against th e decision of Mukanza J because an appeal is based upon a decision and not views. He reiterated that Mukanza J made a ruling on substitution of parties. \par He further submitted that allegations have been made in the plaint}{\b0\i0\insrsid12587728\charrsid14693498 and the court has to look at the plaint only. He, too, cited the case of }{\insrsid12587728\charrsid14693498 Attorney- General v}{ \b0\i0\insrsid12587728\charrsid14693498 }{\insrsid2188883\charrsid14693498 Tinyefuza}{\b0\i0\insrsid2188883\charrsid14693498 (}{\b0\i0\insrsid12587728\charrsid14693498 s}{\b0\i0\insrsid2188883\charrsid14693498 upra) and the judgment of Mulenga at page 12 in which the learned justice stated that it is not necessary to determine whether there is merit in the allegations before determining whether a cause of action has been disclosed. The court only looks at the plaint.}{\b0\i0\insrsid11422516\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 Section 6}{\b0\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 of the }{\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 Civil Procedure Act}{\b0\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 which deals with }{\b0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 res judicata}{\b0\i0\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 provides as follows: \par }{\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 \'93No court shall try any suit or issue in which the matter directly and substantially in iss ue has been directly and substantially in issue in the former suit between the same parties, or between parties under whom they or any of them claim, litigating under the same title, in a court of competent jurisdiction to try the subsequent suit}{ \insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 }{\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 or suit in which the issue subsequently raised, and has been heard and finally determined by that court.\'94}{\insrsid14380037\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 The provisions of this section is an embodiment of the rule of conclusiveness of judgments as to the points decided by court in every subsequent suit between the same parties or parties under whom they or any of them claim. \par \par Essentially the test to be applied by court to determine the question of }{\b0\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 res judicata }{\b0\i0\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 is this: Is the plaintiff in the second suit or subsequent action trying to bring before the court, i}{\b0\i0\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 n another way and}{\b0\i0\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 in the form of a new cause of action}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 which he/she has already put before a court of competent jurisdiction in earlier proceedings and which has been adjudicated upon?}{\b0\i0\insrsid3083295\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 If the answer is in the affirmative, the plea of }{\b0\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 res judicata}{\b0\i0\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 applies not only to points upon which the first court was actually required to adjudicate but to every point which belonged to the subject matter of litigation and which the parties or their privies exercising reasonable diligence might have brought forward at the time. See }{\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 Greenhalgh vMallard [1947}{\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 [2ALL}{\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 ER 255.}{\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 }{\insrsid9070065\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 In the case of }{\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 Lt Kabarebe v Major Prossy Nalweyiso}{\b0\i0\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 (supra) Bahigeine JA who wrote the lead judgment with which the other members of the Coram concurred said: \par }{\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 \'93To give effect to a plea of res judicata, the m atter directly and substantially in issue in the suit must have been heard and finally decided in the former suit. It simply means nothing more than that a person shall not be heard to say the same thing twice}{\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 over in successive litigations.\'94}{\insrsid8479656\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 Section 2}{\b0\i0\insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 of the }{\i0\insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 Civil Procedure Act}{\b0\i0\insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 defines suit to mean all civil proceedings commenced in any manner prescribed. This means that Miscellaneous Application No.47/97 which was heard and finally determined by Mukanza J}{\b0\i0\insrsid9383306\charrsid14693498 .}{ \b0\i0\insrsid12845911\charrsid14693498 was a suit in its own right and it fell within the meaning of the definition. \par \par \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 Applying the above principles to the facts of this appeal}{\b0\i0\insrsid9383306\charrsid14693498 , there is no dispute that }{\b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 the applica}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9383306\charrsid14693498 tion which was before Mukanza J}{\b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 was between the appellant and one Nupun Bhatia. It was filed under Order 1 rule 10(2}{\b0\i0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 ) (}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 4) of the Civil Procedure Rules and it was seeking substitution of parties. The current respondents were not party }{\b0\i0\insrsid7735431\charrsid14693498 to that application }{ \b0\i0\insrsid14486773\charrsid14693498 and they were not party to HCCS No.910/95 out of which the application arose. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13110884\charrsid14693498 It}{\b0\i0\insrsid12400944\charrsid14693498 is}{\b0\i0\insrsid13110884\charrsid14693498 true as both counsel submitted that in the course of writing his ruling Mukanza}{\b0\i0\insrsid12656071\charrsid14693498 J made remarks and observations concerning the substantive suit}{\b0\i0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 . Those remarks and views were }{\b0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 obiter dicta}{\b0\i0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 and not the }{ \b0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 ratio decidendi}{\b0\i0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 of the application that was before him. Those remarks were not raised in the application directly or by necessary implication.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14093814\charrsid14693498 \par Therefore, when the app}{\b0\i0\insrsid283540\charrsid14693498 ellant filed HCCS No.411/98 it was}{\b0\i0\insrsid14093814\charrsid14693498 not bringing in another way}{\b0\i0\insrsid283540\charrsid14693498 and in the form of a new cause of action}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14093814\charrsid14693498 a dispute which it had already put before a court of competent jurisdiction and which had been heard and finally adjudicated upon.}{\b0\insrsid13073479\charrsid14693498 }{\b0\insrsid12656071\charrsid14693498 }{ \b0\insrsid13110884\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid283540\charrsid14693498 On whether the subsequent suit was between the same parties}{\b0\i0\insrsid217119\charrsid14693498 , the learned trial judge in dealing with the issue said:}{\b0\i0\insrsid283540\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid217119\charrsid14693498 \'93In the instant case the defendant in the first suit was sued on behalf of his principals who be came defendants in the current suit. So the parties were litigating under the same capacity over the same subject matter and issue.\'94 \par \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4007589\charrsid14693498 With respect, I think the learned}{\b0\i0\insrsid2502728\charrsid14693498 judge}{\b0\i0\insrsid4007589\charrsid14693498 erred when he held}{\b0\i0\insrsid12664226\charrsid14693498 that the}{ \b0\i0\insrsid4007589\charrsid14693498 respondents and their attorney were litigating under t he same capacity. The attorney had no capacity to sue or be sued. He is also not the registered proprietor of the suit property. It is the respondents who are the registered proprietors. In my view the capacities were not the same.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid217119\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid9383306\charrsid14693498 On perusal of the written statement of defence, I have noticed that the respondents did not raise by their pleadings the fact that the subsequent suit was barred by }{\b0\insrsid9383306\charrsid14693498 res judicata. \par }{\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 Order 6 rule 28}{\b0\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 of the }{\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 Civil Procedure Ru}{\b0\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 le}{\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 s}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 provides for points of law to be raised by pleading}{\b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 . It states:}{\b0\i0\insrsid13066366\charrsid14693498 \par }{\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 \'93 Any party shall be entitled to raise by his or pleading any point of law, and any point of law so raised shall be disposed of by the court at or after the hearing; except that by consent of the parties, or by order of the court on the application of either party, a point of law may be set down for hearing and disposed of at any time before hearing.\'94 \par \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 To reject a plaint for being barred }{\b0\i0\insrsid4200009\charrsid14693498 by law}{\b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 under }{\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 Order 7 rule 11}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 of the }{\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 Civil Procedure Rules}{\i0\insrsid4200009\charrsid14693498 }{\b0\i0\insrsid4200009\charrsid14693498 it should appear \'93from the statement in the plaint to b e barred by any law.\'94 This means that no affidavits are required to prove a point of law. In the instant appeal the respondents made an application accompanied by an affidavit and the appellant had to file an affidavit in reply.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4200009\charrsid14693498 All this, in my view was unnecessary because it should have appeared from t}{\b0\i0\insrsid12400944\charrsid14693498 he statement in the plaint that}{\b0\i0\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 the suit was barred by law.}{\b0\i0\insrsid4200009\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid9981055\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4007589\charrsid14693498 The ground of appeal ought to succeed. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid2188883\charrsid14693498 \par As to whether the plaint discloses a cause of action this can be determined by looking at the plaint and the allegations made therein. The dispute between the parties is about the payment of the balance of the purchase price. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 Paragraph 3(g) of the plaint averred as follows\'94 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 \par }{\i0\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 \'93On 13}{\i0\super\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 th}{\i0\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 September, 1995 Mr Azim Kassam who was at the time in Canada called on phone E bert Byenkya in Kampala to ascertain for him the Bank Account Number of the defendants in order to remit money to the same as the plaintiff did not have the details at the time. He was however not given the details himself and asked Mr Azim }{ \i0\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 Kassam to call back the next day. When Mr Azim Kassam called Mr Ebert Byenkya the next day 14/9/1996, Mr Byenkya refused to give him the details.\'94}{\i0\insrsid11404417\charrsid14693498 \par }{\i0\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 \par \'933(h) the next day 15}{\i0\super\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 th}{\i0\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 September 1997 Byenkya Kihika and Company acting on behalf of the defendants notified the plaintiff of the lapse of sale. (Annex E).\'94 \par \'933(i) the plaintiff was ready and willing to pay and offered the money directly to Byenkya Kihika and Company to Nipun Bhatia.\'94 \par Paragraph 4 states: \par \'93The plaintiff shall at the trial aver that the defendants are in breach of contract for failure to furnish the plaintiff with details of mode of payment and refusal to accept payment}{\i0\insrsid16516405\charrsid14693498 .\'94}{ \i0\insrsid1193672\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13771224\charrsid14693498 The allegations in the plaint are denied but that is a different matter altogether.}{\b0\i0\insrsid16516405\charrsid14693498 \par The above averments are sufficient in themselves to establish a cause of action.}{\b0\i0\insrsid3829788\charrsid14693498 They allege the breach that was allegedly committed by the respondents.}{\b0\i0\insrsid16516405\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13771224\charrsid14693498 \par Iam satisfied on the facts as pleaded that the suit discloses a cause of action. The ground affirming the decision of the court would fail. \par The appeal would be allowed with costs here and in the lower court. The file is remitted to the High Court for hearing before another judge. \par \par Dated at Kampala this\'85\'85}{\i0\insrsid10314375\charrsid14693498 08}{\i0\super\insrsid10314375\charrsid14693498 th}{\i0\insrsid10314375\charrsid14693498 }{\b0\i0\insrsid13771224\charrsid14693498 \'85\'85day of\'85}{ \i0\insrsid10314375\charrsid14693498 October}{\b0\i0\insrsid13771224\charrsid14693498 \'85\'85..2009. \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\i0\insrsid13771224\charrsid14693498 \par C. K. Byamugisha \par Justice of Appeal. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14693498 {\i0\ul\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 JUDGMENT OF HON JUSTICE L. E. M. MUKASA \endash KIKONYOGO, DCJ \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \par I read in draft the judgment prepared by Byamugisha JA. I agree with the reasons she gave for the conclusion she reached. She ably dealt with all the issues raised by the parties. I have nothing useful to add. \par \par Since Alice E. Mpagi-Bahigeine, J. A also agrees, this appeal is allowed with costs in this Court and the High Court. \par The judgment and orders of the High Court are hereby set aside. The file in this case is hereby remitted to the High Court to be tried by another judge. \par \par Dated at Kampala this ..}{\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 8}{\i0\super\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \'85day of \'85.}{\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 October}{ \b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \'85.2009 \par \par L. E. M. Mukasa-Kikonyogo \par Deputy Chief Justice \par \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 JUDGMENT OF HON JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \par I am in full agreement with the judgment prepared by Byamugisha, JA. I have nothing more to add. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 \par Dated this }{\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 08}{\i0\super\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 th}{\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 }{\b0\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 day of }{\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 October, 2009}{ \b0\i0\insrsid16597788\charrsid14693498 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10373115\charrsid14693498 \par HON JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }}