Chris Bigirwa Rutaremwa v Godfrey Ngobi T/A Uni-Engineers Co (HCT-00-CC-CS 247 of 2003) [2008] UGCommC 34 (23 June 2008)

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Jessica chemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo7\dy1\hr15\min39}{\revtim\yr2008\mo7\dy1\hr15\min39} {\printim\yr2008\mo6\dy17\hr12\min37}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords2809}{\nofchars16016}{\*\company }{\nofcharsws18788}{\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin \dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot8458595\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15019197 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15019197 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15019197 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15019197 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4223013 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid13112536 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10761606 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid13112536 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid13112536 \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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8458595 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid8458595\charrsid8458595 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\b\insrsid15861250\charrsid8458595 \par }{\b\insrsid8458595\charrsid8458595 \par IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA HOLDEN AT KAMPALA \par \par COMMERCIAL COURT DIVISION \par \par HCT-00-CC-CS-0247-2003 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8458595 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8458595 {\insrsid8458595 Chris Bigirwa Rutaremwa Plaintiff \par \par Versus \par \par Godfrey Ngobi T/A Uni-Engineers Co. Defendant \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8458595 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8458595 {\b\ul\insrsid8458595\charrsid8458595 BEFORE: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE FMS EGONDA-NTENDE \par \par JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\insrsid8458595 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458595 \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\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid8458595 The plaintiff brings this action to recover from the defendant a sum of Shs.6,000,000.00, general damages, interest and costs of this suit. The plainti ff contends that around July 2002, the defendant invited the plaintiff to join him in his business and help him secure business for a commission to be agreed upon by the parties. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6056009 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}{\insrsid6056009 With the assistance of the plaintiff the defendant secured a contract from Ga pco Uganda Ltd in August 2002 worth about Shs.45,000,000.00. Before this work could be executed the defendant left Uganda for a visit to Spain. }{\insrsid8458595 Prior to the defendant\rquote s departure, the parties agreed that the plaintiff\rquote s commission shall Shs.6,000,000.00 in respect of which the defendant issued to the defendant a signed cheque for the same, }{\insrsid4206699 post dated to 8}{\super\insrsid4206699\charrsid4206699 th}{\insrsid4206699 November 2002}{\insrsid8458595 .

\par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8458595 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}In addition the parties agreed that in the defendant\rquote s absence the plaintiff would manage the defendant\rquote s business including the executio n of the contract between Gapco Uganda Ltd and the defendant. In pursuance of that agreement the defendant left a number of signed cheques with the plaintiff to meet a number of the defendant\rquote s obligations, including rent for the premises, purchase of materials and so on. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4206699 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}{\insrsid4206699 The plaintiff executed the contract with Gapco Uganda Ltd and by the return of the defendant to Uganda in October 2002 all the items of the contract had been delivered. The defendant asked the plaintiff not to present his commission cheque for payment as he would pay the money in cash. The defendant}{\insrsid15682112 ,}{\insrsid4206699 however}{\insrsid15682112 ,}{\insrsid4206699 failed to pay the said money and the plaintiff presented the cheque for payment which was dishonoured. The plaintiff notified the defendant of the dishonour but the defendant has not made good, and the said sums of money are still outstanding. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4206699 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab} The defendant opposes this action contending that he is not indebted to the plaintiff at all and that the plaintiff has never furnished consideration for the cheque in question. The defendant deni es that the plaintiff ever secured any business for the defendant or that there was an agreement for a commission.}{\insrsid14117193 The defendant asserts that it had prior dealings with the Gapco Uganda Ltd, and the contract in question was secured}{ \insrsid15682112 by}{\insrsid14117193 the defendant himself with no assistance of the plaintiff.}{\insrsid4206699 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4206699 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}The defendant contends that the plaintiff, who }{\insrsid14117193 was }{\insrsid4206699 a friend of the defendant, was taken by the defendant as a gratis apprentice in the defendant\rquote s business.}{\insrsid14117193 The defendant travelled to Spain on or about 15}{\super\insrsid14117193\charrsid14117193 th}{\insrsid14117193 September 2 002 and did not return until the 25}{\super\insrsid14117193\charrsid14117193 th}{\insrsid14117193 October 2002. During his absence it was agreed between the plaintiff and defendant that the plaintiff would run his business in the defendant\rquote s absence. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14117193 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}In pursuance of that arrangement, the defendant gave to the plaintiff 5 blank }{\insrsid15682112 but }{\insrsid14117193 signed cheques for settlement of the defendant\rquote s rent; payment to defendant\rquote s suppliers and procurement of fresh raw materials for the defendant\rquote s business. }{\insrsid4206699 }{\insrsid11553150 The plaintiff used cheque no. 063505 to pay himself Shs.1,000,000.00 for which he has never accounted. The plaintiff did not utilise cheque no. 063503 and it remained in his possession. The defendant demanded for the return }{\insrsid15682112 of }{ \insrsid11553150 this cheque }{\insrsid15682112 but}{\insrsid11553150 the plaintiff failed to hand it over, claiming that it was lost. The defendant then issued instructions to his bankers not to pay the said cheque. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4206699 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\tab}}{\insrsid4206699 }{\insrsid10031285 The defendant counter claims from the plaintiff Shs.1,124,000.00 taken}{\insrsid15682112 by}{\insrsid10031285 the plaintiff from the defendant\rquote s business, without the defendant\rquote s knowledge or authority, vide 4 vouchers dated 1/10/2002; }{\insrsid15620997 1/11/2002; 27/12/2002 and 27/12/2002 respectively. The defendant further loaned the plaintiff Shs.680,000.00 which he has not repaid back. The defendant claims from }{\insrsid15682112 the plaintiff }{\insrsid15620997 repayment of Shs.2,804,000.00, general damages, interest and costs of the counter claim.}{\insrsid8458595 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16591112 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\tab}}{\insrsid16591112 In reply to the defence and counter claim the plaintiff asserted that no blank cheques were left by the defendant. All the cheques were first filled in by the plaintiff and then signed by the defendant. Voucher No. 52 showing a sum of Shs.500,0 00.00 was money sent to the defendant while he was in Spain from a cheque that the defendant sent while in Spain as the black cheques he left had been exhausted. The plaintiff sent the defendant a total of about Shs.1,800,000.00 from the plaintiff\rquote s sources which the defendant has no}{\insrsid15682112 t}{\insrsid16591112 refunded to date.}{\insrsid15620997 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16591112 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 10.\tab}}{\insrsid16591112 The various monies drawn from the business were payments to the plaintiff in salaries and allowances for managing the business, running the office and payments to workers. Payment of Shs.300,000.00 on Voucher No.069 was payment to the plaintiff approved by the defendant and was never a loan as contended. No loan of Shs.380,000.00 was paid to the plaintiff and the defendant was put to strict proof thereof. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1143440 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 11.\tab}}{\insrsid1143440 As regards the proceeds of cheque no. 063505 of shs.1,0 00,000.00 these went to running of the business, execution of the Gapco contract and other work, and payments to workers as per an attached list, which list I have not be}{\insrsid15682112 en}{\insrsid1143440 able to see. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14110638 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 12.\tab}}{\insrsid14110638 A scheduling conference was }{\insrsid8485537 first }{\insrsid14110638 held on 29/09/2003, 4 months after filing of the suit. }{ \insrsid8485537 It could not proceed}{\insrsid15035016 on that day. It was adjourned to 30/10/2003. Neither could it proceed on that day again. It finally took place on }{\insrsid14368811 the 28}{\super\insrsid14368811 }{\insrsid14368811 / 11/ 2003. }{ \insrsid14110638 Counsel agreed on }{\insrsid8485537 some}{\insrsid14110638 facts,}{\insrsid8485537 documents to be admitted by consent, (documentary evidence admitted without the usual process of admission or proof}{\insrsid15682112 )}{ \insrsid8485537 , issues,}{\insrsid14110638 }{\insrsid8485537 and they indicated the number of witnesses they would be calling for trial. The defendant orally amended, with the permission of the court, paragraph 4 (c) (iv) of the written stat ement of defence. They also agreed that they were ready for trial and the case was fixed for hearing on 16}{\super\insrsid8485537\charrsid8485537 th}{\insrsid8485537 April 2004}{\insrsid14368811 .}{\insrsid1143440 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14368811 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 13.\tab}}{\insrsid14368811 On 16/04/2004 it did not proceed as the plaintiff was sick. It was adjourned }{\insrsid15682112 to }{\insrsid14368811 25/05/2005 on which day hearing began, 12 or so months from the date of filing. PW1 was the plaintiff. He stated that the plaintiff was his friend. They agreed that the plaintiff would solicit business for the defendant and the defendant would pay him a commission. They did not agree on a percentage but woul d just on agree on a particular sum of money depending on }{\insrsid6056009 what}{\insrsid14368811 was realised from the business. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14368811 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 14.\tab} In July 2002 he approached the Operations Manager of Gapco seeking business to fabricate tanks for them. He told the manager that he does business with the defend ant. The manager gave him tender forms that he took to the defendant, and the defendant filled in the forms. PW1 returned them to Gapco. Thereafter PW1 met with the manager and agreed to revise the tender sum downwards and he authored a letter to that eff ect. Gapco offered the defendant the business of fabricating 10 tanks.}{\insrsid8272125 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8272125 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 15.\tab} PW1 stated that a week from the issuance of the local purchase order they started on fabrication of the tanks. It was estimated that the work would take 2-3 months and it actually took 2 \'bd months. The defendant left for Spain after }{\insrsid7363718 they}{\insrsid8272125 had finished }{\insrsid7363718 2}{\insrsid8272125 tanks. Before the defendant\rquote s departure they sat down with the plaintiff and budgeted what would be necessary to complete the job. Defendant issued out cheques to debtors}{ \insrsid7680379 , for rent, iron sheets, pipes, and gas. These were Superior Enterprises, Bavima Enterprises, Doshi Hardware and Oxygas. PW1 wrote them and the defendant signed them. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680379 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 16.\tab}The defendant gave the plaintiff 4 cheques for debtors and 1 cheque for the plaintiff\rquote s commission. The defen dant gave the plaintiff 1 other cheque of shs.1,000,000.00, for labourers.}{\insrsid14368811 }{\insrsid7680379 The commission cheque was for Shs.6,000,000.00 which they had agreed upon as the plaintiff\rquote s commission. At the time of writing these che}{\insrsid7363718 que}{\insrsid7680379 s they were only expecting payments, and when Gapco paid he drew the money, save for the commission cheque. They made all the remaining tanks and delivered them to Gapco. When the defendant returned he found that the Gapco order was completed.}{\insrsid14368811 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7680379 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 17.\tab}}{\insrsid7680379 PW1 agreed with the defendant to hold on from present ing his commission cheque so that they meet other obligations first. After some time he presented the cheque and it bounced. PW1 contacted the defendant requesting payment but the defendant ignored him.}{\insrsid15815810 He then commenced this action. He stated that it is not true that the defendant gave him blank cheques. PW1 wrote the cheques and the defendant signed them.}{\insrsid7680379 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15815810 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 18.\tab}}{\insrsid15815810 PW1 was not on the streets stranded as alleged. He was engaged in import}{\insrsid11490981 trade with a shop on Mukwano Arcade}{ \insrsid15815810 . He denied that he was an apprentice in the defendant\rquote s business. The defendant left him in charge of his business when he left for Spain. The money he withdrew on the vouchers mentioned in the counter claim was the defendant \rquote s business expenses and some was for the defendant\rquote s home expenses. PW1 gave money to his family. Defendant never gave the plaintiff any loans and he does not owe the defendant any money. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11490981 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 19.\tab}}{\insrsid11490981 In cross examination he insisted that he procured the business from Gapco in 2002 for the defendant. It is true the defendant was dealing wit h the Gapco before 2002 but this was up country. Exhibit P6 does not show whether Gapco wanted to take the tanks up country. He accepted that he is neither a registered or licensed commission agent. He stated that he was not a partner in the defendant \rquote s business just as he was not an apprentice. He signed exhibit P7 with the agreement of the defendant. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11490981 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 20.\tab}PW1 further stated that he was supposed to participate in the fabrication in order to earn his commission. He was not making the tanks. }{ \insrsid2192748 It is the fitter and craftsmen that they employed that did the work. He confirmed that the defendant gave him the cheque for his commission. It was post dated }{\insrsid790887 to }{\insrsid2192748 8/11/2002. He denied that the defendant asked for the cheque and he told him it was lost. He denied that by the ti me the defendant came back he had not paid some workers and others had quit. He accounted for all the money he took. Those records are available with the defendant. He denied that the defendant advanced him any loan.}{\insrsid11490981 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2192748 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 21.\tab}}{\insrsid2192748 After the plaintiff testified the case was adjourned to the 28}{\super\insrsid2192748\charrsid2192748 th}{\insrsid2192748 August 2004 for further hearing. On that day the judge was engaged with another matter and the case was adjourned to the 5}{\super\insrsid2192748\charrsid2192748 th}{\insrsid2192748 October 2004. On 5}{\super\insrsid2192748\charrsid2192748 th}{ \insrsid2192748 October 2005 the plaintiff }{\insrsid790887 and his counsel were}{\insrsid2192748 absent. The case was adjourned sine die. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2192748 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 22.\tab}The next hearing date was 21}{\super\insrsid2192748\charrsid2192748 st}{\insrsid2192748 June 2007, almost 2 years after it was adjourned sine die. The plaintiff and his counsel did not turn }{\insrsid790887 up }{\insrsid2192748 on this date}{\insrsid790887 in spite of service}{\insrsid2192748 . It was adjourned to 24}{ \super\insrsid2192748\charrsid2192748 th}{\insrsid2192748 September 2007 for hearing. On that day again the plain tiff and his counsel did not turn up, and the case proceeded in their absence. The defence opened its case and called the defendant to testify. He was the only witness for the defence. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8018913 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 23.\tab}}{\insrsid8018913 DW1 testified that the business of the defendant is to fabricate tanks for fuel stations, erect factories, and any other matter that may be related to mechanical engineering. He knows the pla}{\insrsid7739803 i}{\insrsid8018913 ntiff. He met the plaintiff when they both worked on the same building, Communications House. He was approached by the plaintiff who told him he wanted to learn the defendant\rquote s business as his own business had collapsed. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8018913 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 24.\tab} The defendant accepted to take him on. The defendant told the plaintiff that it is okay for the plaintiff to work with the defendant while at the same time he }{\insrsid790887 was }{\insrsid8018913 learning, as well as continuing to do his own work too.}{ \insrsid2192748 }{\insrsid8018913 It transpired that the defendant was going to Spain for 3 months. (Later on he stated that he had planned to stay }{\insrsid6056009 for}{\insrsid8018913 6 months in Spain.) He left the plaintiff in the office. There were other people working for }{\insrsid790887 him}{\insrsid8018913 too.}{\insrsid2192748 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8018913 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 25.\tab}}{\insrsid8018913 DW1 stated that they did not set any terms, written or otherwise, for plaintiff\rquote s relationship with the defendant. }{ \insrsid15422814 The plaintiff came in good faith. He did not come as a worker. He did not come as a partner. He came as someone who wanted to learn about }{\insrsid790887 the}{\insrsid15422814 business so that he could start a similar business. The defendant procured the contract in question from Gapco by himself, and with no assistance from the plaintiff. The defendant was already doing business with Gapco. The plaintiff lied when he stated that it was the plaintiff that got this contract for the defendant.}{\insrsid8018913 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15422814 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 26.\tab}}{\insrsid15422814 When the defendant left for Spain this contract with Gapco was running. }{\insrsid9194320 DW1 stated in part, }{\insrsid7739803

\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\insrsid9194320 \lquote So when I was away in Spain one of my supervisors called me, telling me that Chris had said that this business was his own business. He was chasing them aw}{\insrsid7739803 a}{\insrsid9194320 y and he wanted to bring in his people. I had to cancel the journey because I was to be there for six months. So I cam}{\insrsid7739803 e}{ \insrsid9194320 after three months. And when I came after three months people had already left and work was not going on. So I had to put everything together. I continued and I did away with Chris at the same time.\rquote }{\insrsid15422814 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537028 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 27.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid8537028 On coming back DW1 found that PW1 had cashed some cheques, got the money and \lquote chewed it.\rquote There was one cheque he was still holding. DW1 asked for it but PW1 refused to give it back. He does not recall what figure the cheque was bearing but probably it could be Shs6,000,000.00 or Shs.4,000,000.00. PW1 presented the cheque and it was returned unpaid. He reported }{ \insrsid790887 the defendant to the police}{\insrsid8537028 alleging that this cheque was for a commission.}{\insrsid9194320 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537028 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 28.\tab}}{\insrsid8537028 It is not true that that cheque was for a commission. DW1 did not owe PW1 any commission. Exhibit D3 is dated 1}{ \super\insrsid8537028\charrsid8537028 st}{\insrsid8537028 October 2002. It is a payment voucher for Shs.500,000.00 paid to Chris Bigirwa as advance. }{\insrsid533334 It is signed and authorised by Mr. Bigirwa. He did not repay this amount. Exhibit D3(b) is another voucher for Shs.500,000.00. DW1 did not get an explanation as to what this money was used for. Exhibit D3(c) is another advance payment to the plaintiff dated 27}{\super\insrsid533334\charrsid533334 th}{\insrsid533334 December 2002 for Shs.100,000.00. This money was not paid back. Exhibit D(3)(d) is for Shs.24,000.00 paid to the plaintiff for work. DW1 does not know what work the plaintiff did and was being paid for.}{\insrsid999286 }{\insrsid15422814 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid999286 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 29.\tab}}{\insrsid999286 Exhibit D4 is a payment voucher for Shs.300,000.00 paid to the plaintiff as advance payment. He did not pay it back. }{\insrsid6056009 DW1 prays for a refund of the money that the plaintiff took in the defendant\rquote s absence, damages and costs.}{\insrsid999286 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\b\insrsid999286\charrsid7739803 Issue No.1: Whether the plaintiff was a commission agent or an apprentice in the defendant\rquote s business?

\par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid999286 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 30.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid999286 The evidence on this issue and indeed on all succeeding issues is effectively the word of one person against the other. Neither the plaintiff nor the }{\insrsid6056009 defendant has}{\insrsid999286 brought any record to support each version before this court. There was no written agreement to show that the plaintif}{\insrsid5513154 f}{\insrsid999286 was a commission agent. Neither }{\insrsid6056009 was there a written document}{\insrsid999286 to show that the plaintiff was appointed a gratis apprentice. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid999286 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 31.\tab}Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant }{\insrsid7739803 has}{\insrsid999286 independent witness es to support one version against the other. Not that such evidence would not exist. Each party indicated it would call several witnesses to support its version of the story. But none called an independent witness}{\insrsid7739803 or other witness}{ \insrsid999286 . \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11408066 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 32.\tab}}{\insrsid11408066 It is odd that a party r unning the kind of business that the defendant was running would at the commencement of a major contract, entrust the execution of the same to a gratis apprentice, for the intended period of his absence of 6 months. The defendant in his testimony would ha ve this court believe that to be the case. Many startling things happen of course in the world, including the business world. And if this is true, it must be one of the most reckless decisions a business owner can take.}{\insrsid5513154 I cannot conceive that a firm that has its own staff can be left to be run by a gratis apprentice, who the defendant, contended had just run his own business to the ground.}{\insrsid11408066 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5513154 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 33.\tab}}{\insrsid5513154 I am }{\insrsid7739803 satisfied}{\insrsid5513154 that neither the plaintiff nor the }{\insrsid6056009 defendant has}{ \insrsid5513154 succeeded to discharge the burden of proof to establish their different versions of the story. This }{\insrsid13660335 standard}{\insrsid5513154 of proof}{\insrsid13660335 ,}{\insrsid5513154 is of course}{\insrsid13660335 ,}{ \insrsid5513154 on a balance of probability. }{\insrsid13660335 Lord Denning in }{\i\ul\insrsid13660335\charrsid13660335 Miller v Minister of Pensions [1947] 2 All E R 372 at 373-4}{\insrsid13660335 explains this concept in the following words: \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13660335 {\insrsid13660335 \lquote That degree is well settle d. It must carry a reasonable degree of probability but not so high as it is required in criminal cases. If the evidence is such that the tribunal can say \'93We think it more probable than not\'94 the burden is discharged, but if the probabilities are equal, it is not.\rquote \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5513154 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 34.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid5513154 What is before me is essentially one\rquote s word on oath against the other. This is not sufficient.}{\insrsid13660335 With regard to the plaintiff\rquote s version of having been appointed a commission agent, I find that the probabilities are equal.}{\insrsid5513154 }{\insrsid13660335 With regard to the defendant\rquote s version of the plaintiff having been appointed a gratis apprentice, I find it improbable. }{\insrsid5513154 I find that neither party has established on the balance of probability that the plaintiff was either a commission agent or a gratis apprentice.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\b\insrsid5513154\charrsid7739803 Issue No.2: Whether the defendant owes the plaintiff Shs.6,000,000.00? \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5513154 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 35.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid5513154 Given my finding on issue no.1 above, since the plaintiff has failed to establish that he was a commission agent, I find that the plaintiff has failed to establish that he is entitled to Shs.6,000,000.00 as claimed. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\b\insrsid5513154\charrsid7739803 Issue No.3: Whether the plaintiff owes the defendant the money claimed on the counter claim? \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15865965 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 36.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7739803 { \insrsid15865965 It is not in dispute that the defendant left the plaintiff to run his business for a period of three months, leaving him with cheques to draw money for that purpose. The plaintiff has explained that the advances he drew were not loans to }{\insrsid6056009 him}{\insrsid15865965 but were funds he drew for the purpose of the defendant\rquote s business. }{\insrsid7739803 He claims to have accounted for the same.}{\insrsid15865965 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15865965 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 37.\tab}At the time the defendant left for Spain there was a major contract being executed. By the time of the defendant\rquote s return the plaintiff has testified that the contract had been fully performed. This testimony is not seriously disputed by the defendant. In his testimony the defendant does not testify as to the extent the Gapco contract had been performed in his absence. He is quiet on this matter.}{\insrsid5513154 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15865965 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 38.\tab}}{\insrsid15865965 I am inclined to believe the version put forward by the plaintiff that he spent this money on account of the business that he had been left to run. As regards the payment to the plaintiff on his own account, the plaintiff must have been entitled to reasonable compensation for the work he did in the absence of the defendant since it is the plaintiff that ran the business. The story that he was a gratis apprentice re mains}{\insrsid790887 not only improbable but}{\insrsid15865965 unproven. I find that the defendant has not established that the plaintiff owes the defendant any money. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\b\insrsid15865965\charrsid15865965 Issue No.4: Remedies \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15865965 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 39.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15419408 { \insrsid15865965 Neither party is entitled to the remedies prayed for }{\insrsid3490757 i}{\insrsid15865965 n the plain}{\insrsid3490757 t}{\insrsid15865965 }{\insrsid3490757 or}{\insrsid15865965 counterclaim. Both are dismiss ed. Each party will bear his own costs. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7739803 {\insrsid7739803 \par Signed, dated and delivered at Kampala this 24}{\super\insrsid7739803\charrsid7739803 th}{\insrsid7739803 day of June 2008 \par \par \par \par \par FMS Egonda-Ntende \par Judge \par }}