Doreen Rugundu v International Law Institute [2006] UGSC 18 (3 October 2006)

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;} {\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f273\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f274\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;} {\f276\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f277\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f278\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f279\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);} {\f280\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f281\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f283\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f284\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f286\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;} {\f287\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}{\f288\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);}{\f289\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f290\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f291\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese);} {\f293\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f294\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}{\f296\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f297\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;} {\f298\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f299\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}{\f300\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f301\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);} {\f623\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f624\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f626\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}{\f627\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f628\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);} {\f629\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f630\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f631\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}{\f632\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255; \red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0; \red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl-469\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style1;}{\s16\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style2;}{ \s17\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style3;}{\s18\qj \fi-672\li0\ri0\sl-472\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Style4;}{\s19\qj \li0\ri0\sl-322\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext19 Style5;}{ \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl-466\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext20 Style6;}{\s21\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext21 Style7;}{\s22\qc \li0\ri0\sl-470\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext22 Style8;}{ \s23\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext23 Style9;}{\s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl-518\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext24 Style10;}{\s25\ql \li0\ri0\sl-507\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext25 Style11;}{ \s26\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext26 Style12;}{\s27\qj \li0\ri0\sl-504\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext27 Style13;}{\s28\ql \fi-638\li0\ri0\sl-307\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext28 Style14;}{\*\cs29 \additive \f35\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style16;}{\*\cs30 \additive \b\f2\fs32 \sbasedon10 Font Style17;}{\*\cs31 \additive \b\f35\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style18;}{\*\cs32 \additive \f35\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style19;}{\*\cs33 \additive \b\i\f0\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style20;}{\*\cs34 \additive \f0\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style21;}{\*\cs35 \additive \i\f0\fs24 \sbasedon10 Font Style22;}{\*\cs36 \additive \f1\fs14 \sbasedon10 Font Style23;}{\*\cs37 \additive \b\f2\fs30 \sbasedon10 Font Style24;}{\*\cs38 \additive \f2\fs30\expnd-2\expndtw-10 \sbasedon10 Font Style25;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid1942897904\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelold \levelspace0\levelindent672{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\f0\fbias0 }{\listname ;}\listid675883532}{\list\listtemplateid1971327544\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelold\levelspace0 \levelindent639{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\f0\fbias0 }{\listname ;}\listid1798448628}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1798448628\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid1798448628\listoverridecount1{\lfolevel \listoverrideformat{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelold\levelspace0\levelindent638{\leveltext\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\f0\fbias0 }}\ls2}{\listoverride\listid675883532\listoverridecount0\ls3}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid3479367\rsid8930407}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author owner}{\operator owner}{\creatim\yr2008\mo3\dy3\hr11\min51}{\revtim\yr2008\mo3\dy3\hr11\min56}{\version2}{\edmins5}{\nofpages10}{\nofwords2524}{\nofchars14392} {\nofcharsws16883}{\vern24689}}\paperw11905\paperh16837\margl1824\margr1824\margt1702 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot8930407 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8930407 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8930407 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8930407 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8930407 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid8930407\sftnbj {\*\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 \s22\qc \li0\ri15\sb62\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\faauto\rin15\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \line \par }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA AT MENGO \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx2102\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 (CORAM:}{\cs33\i\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \tab }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 ODER, TSEKOOKO, KAROKORA,}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 KANYEIHAMBA AND KATUREEBE JJSC.) \par }\pard\plain \s22\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 CIVIL APPEAL NO. 8 OF 2005 \par }\pard\plain \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\expnd16\expndtw80\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 BETWEEN \par }\pard \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx4920\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 DOREEN RUGUNDU:}{\cs33\i\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \tab }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 :::::::::: APPELLANT \par }\pard \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\expnd16\expndtw80\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 AND \par }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 INTERNATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE: :::::::::: RESPONDENT \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li437\ri0\sb235\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin437\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 (An appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal at Kampala}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 (Okello, Kitumba and Byamugisha, JJA) dated}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \'85}{ \cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \tab \par }\pard\plain \s21\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sb163\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx8438\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 JUDGMENT OF KAROKORA, JSC:}{\cs33\fs20\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb182\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 This is a second appeal. It arises from the decision of the Court of Appeal which overturned the judgment of the trial Judge, Mwondha, J, who had allowed a suit instituted by the appellant claiming damages for breach of contract and awarded her a sum of Shs. 10 million as damages for the breach with interest of 10% p.a., from the date of judgment till payment in full and costs of the suit. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb211\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The facts which led to the institution of the case in the High court were not in dispute. On 25}{ \cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 July 2000, the respondent interviewed the appellant for the post of Special Assistant to the Executive Director/Assistant Marketing}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Manager. She was successful. The respondent offered the post to the appellant in a letter dated 28}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 July, 2000. The commencement date was 3}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 rd }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 January, 2001. The appellant accepted the job and a contract of employment was executed between the parties. The appellant was to spend 4 days at the}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 respondent's office familiarizing herself with its operations. On 29}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 August}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 2000,}{\cs34\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \tab }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 the respondent wrote to the appellant informing her that her services}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 were no longer required. She tried to seek an explanation for this turn of}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 events and received no response. On 11}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 January 2001, M/s. Kateera &}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Kagumire, Advocates, wrote to the respondent demanding payment of}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 damages and costs to the appellant for breach of contract. On 16th January}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 2001,}{\cs34\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \tab }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 M/s. Byenkya, Kihika & Co., Advocates, wrote to M/s. Kateera &}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Kagumire, Advocates, on behalf of the respondent, re-offering the appellant}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 the job on the terms that had been stipulated in the contract. The appellant}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 rejected the offer }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 a nd filed the suit in the High Court, claiming the following}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 reliefs: \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (1)\tab}}\pard\plain \s28\ql \li355\ri0\sb926\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent639 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin355\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Salary for the period from January to December, 2001; \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \s28\ql \li355\ri0\sb346\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent639 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin355\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Health Insurance, performance related bond; \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}}\pard \s28\ql \fi-638\li994\ri0\sb322\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent638 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls2\rin0\lin994\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 General damages for disappointment, embarrassment and inconvenience; \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (4)\tab}}\pard \s28\ql \li355\ri0\sb350\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent639 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin355\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 General damages for breach of contract; \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (5)\tab}}\pard \s28\ql \fi-638\li994\ri0\sb312\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent638 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls2\rin0\lin994\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Interest at the rate of 24% p.a. from the date of judgment till full payment in full; \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (6)\tab}}\pard \s28\ql \li355\ri0\sb341\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx994{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent639 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin355\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Costs of the suit. \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The respondent in its written statement of defence denied the averments in the plaint and contended that the appellant did not suffer any loss or damage. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb144\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The issues to be determined at the trial were- \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s26 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (1)\tab}}\pard\plain \s26\ql \li360\ri0\sb504\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx1032{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent672 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls3\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Whether there was a valid contract between the parties. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s26 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \s26\ql \li360\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx1032{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent672 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls3\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 And if so, who repudiated and or breached the contract? \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s26 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}}\pard \s26\ql \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx1032{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent672 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls3\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Whether the defendant mitigated the breach, if at all. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s26 \cs33\b\i\charrsid8930407 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (4)\tab}What remedies or quantum is the plaintiff entitled to, if at all? \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb226\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The trial judge answered the first issue in the affirmative. She found that the respondent had breached the contract and therefore, gave judgment in favour of the appellant in the terms already stated. The respondent was dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court and therefore appealed to the Court of Appeal which allowed the appeal. The respondent being dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal has now appealed to this Court. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb226\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Before considering the grounds of appeal, it is useful to note the main features of the employment contract on which the suit turns. Further, it is also necessary to consider the Employment Act and determine whether or not the appellant's termination of c ontract before the date of its commencement was lawful or wrongful. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx6974\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The letter of the appellant's appointment stated inter alia\tab \par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri3994\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin3994\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri3994\sb216\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin3994\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "International Law Institute - Uganda Legal Centre of Excellence \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri5990\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin5990\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri5990\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin5990\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Doreen Rugunda Dear Ms Rugunda \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sb110\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Re: APPOINTMENT AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sb72\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 After careful consideration of your background and experience, the International Law Institute, Uganda (ILI - Uganda) is of the view that you will be an excellent addition to our team and wou ld consequently like to hire you for the above position. The period of this employment will run from }{\cs35\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 January 3}{\cs35\i\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 rd}{\cs35\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 2001, to December 31}{\cs35\i\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 st}{\cs35\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 2001, and will include an initial 6 months probation period }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 (emphasis is added). \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sb82\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Your gross salary per month will be Sh s. 1,500,000= and will include added benefits such as health Insurance performance related bonuses and 20 days annual leave. A salary review will be carried out following successful completion of the probation period in addition to satisfactory results in your staff evaluation. There will also be possibilities for upward adjustment based on your performance. \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\qj \li0\ri0\sb58\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx2021\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Kindly confirm your acceptance of this offer in writing at your earliest}{ \cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 convenience\tab \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sb91\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Sincerely, \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sb115\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 S. Munyantwali \par }\pard \s19\ql \li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Executive Director ILU- Uganda." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The contract of employment between the appellant and the respondent was for a fixed period of 12 months and included an initial 6 months probation period. However, before the appellant commenced her service of the}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 probationary period, the respondent terminated her services on 29}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 August, 2000. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb226\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 As I have already stated earlier on, the appellant's suit in the High Court for the breach of contract and damages was successful. However, the Court of Appeal reversed the High Court decision hence this appeal. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb139\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 There are three grounds of appeal before this Court. Mr. Adriko, counsel for the appellant argued grounds 1 and 2 together and argued the 3}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 rd}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 ground separately. He argued the grounds in that order. I shall deal with the grounds in the same order. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb130\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Grounds 1 and 2 complained that: \par }\pard\plain \s18\qj \fi-672\li672\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin672\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s18\qj \fi-672\li672\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin672\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "(1) The learned Justices of Appeal erred in law and fact when they held that the appellant had no accrued rights in the employment contract simply because she had not commenced work under the employment contract. \par }\pard \s18\qj \fi-691\li1051\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1051\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s18\qj \fi-691\li1051\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1051\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 (2) Th e learned Justices of Appeal erred in law and fact when they held that the appellant had suffered loss or damage, which ought to attract an award of damage." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Counsel for the appellant submitted that the holding by Byamugisha, JA, with whom the other two Ju stices concurred to the effect that a person has no accrued rights in a contract of service which has been terminated before the date when it was supposed to commence is flawed, because the holding did not take into account the principle of anticipatory b reach. He referred to the following cases: }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Universal Cargo Carriers Corp - vs - Citati [1957] ALLER 84, Gunton - vs - Richard - Upon Thames London Borough Council [1981] 1 Ch 448 at 467, Laws - vs - London Chronicle [1959] 2 ALLER 285 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 and }{ \cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Hochester - vs - De Lar Tour [1843- 60] ALLER Reprint at page 14, }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 for the proposition inter alia - that the accrued rights in service contract, which has been breached, commences immediately after the execution of the contract by the aggrieved party who has not accepted the dismissal. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Therefore, counsel submitted that the appellant had the accrued rights to sue immediately after the respondent terminated her contract of employment despite the fact that its date of commencement had not yet arrived. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb216\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 On the other hand, Mr. Ki hika, counsel for the respondent opposed the appeal and submitted that the Justices of Appeal were alive to the principle of anticipatory breach when they held that the respondent had terminated the contract before it was operationalised. Counsel further submitted that the Justices of Appeal were right when they held that at the time of termination of the contract of service on 29}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 th}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 August, 2000, no rights under the contract had accrued to the appellant as an employee of the respondent. Counsel further subm itted that the respondents were right on mitigation of damages when they offered to re-engage her on the same terms which she refused to accept because at that time she had already secured another job. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 This was a contract of personal service between the r espondent and the appellant. The appellant was to commence work at the respondent's Institute on 03-01-2001. But before that time of performance arrived the respondent told the appellant that they would not employ her. The respondent repudiated their prom ise to employ her 4 months before the commencement date of the contract. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb211\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Section 24(1) of the Employment Act which is relevant to the termination of a contract of probationary period of service provides as follows: \par }\pard\plain \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sb226\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "(1) A contract for a probationary period of service may be terminated by either party giving to the other seven days' notice or payment of seven days' wages in lieu of notice." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Clearly, as provided in Section 24(1) of the Employment Act, a contract for p robationary period of service may be terminated by either party giving to the other seven days' notice or payment of seven days' wages in lieu of the Notice. In the instant case, the respondent gave 4 months notice of their repudiation of the contract to t he appellant which was more than 7 days notice prescribed by the Act. However, when the appellant threatened to sue the respondent for what she claimed to have been wrongful termination of her contract of employment, and the respondent in order to mitigat e damages, offered to re-engage her on the original terms of contract, which the appellant rejected and demanded to be awarded full remuneration she would have earned if she had performed the contract plus other benefits under the contract. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 There are decided cases which are relevant to this appeal. In }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Vine - vs -National Dock Labour Board [1956] 1 QB 658 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Jenkins LJ, stated: \par }\pard\plain \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sb230\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "It has long been well settled that if a man employed under a contract of personal service is wrongfully dismissed, he has no claim fo r remuneration due under the contract after repudiation. His only money claim is for damages for having been prevented from earning his remuneration. His sole money claim is for damages and he must do everything he reasonably can to mitigate them." \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sb197\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Later Salmoud LJ stated in - }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Decro - wall International SA - vs -Practitioners in Marketing Ltd. [1971] 1 WLR 361 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 that: \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sb187\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "If a master in breach of contract, refused to employ the servant, it is trite law that the contract will not be specifically enforced. As I hope I made plain in the }{\cs35\i\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Denmark Production case [1969] I QB 699,}{ \cs35\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 the only result is that the servant albeit he has been prevented from rendering services by the master's breach, cannot recover remuneration under the contract, because he has not earned it. He has not rendered the services for which remuneration is payable. His only money claim is for damages for being wrongfully prevented from earning his remuneration. And like any one else claiming damages for breach of contract, he is under a duty to take reasonable step to minimize the loss he has suffered through the breach. \par }\pard \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tlhyph\tx5386\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 He must do his best to find suitable alternative employment. If he does not}{ \cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 do so, he prejudices his claim for damages\tab " \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I agree with the above opinions, which in my opinion, give the correct position of the law. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb230\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 In the instant case the contract of employment was terminated long before the date of its due performance. In her lead judgment of the Court of Appeal, when re-evaluating the evidence of both parties and making its conclusion, Byamugisha, JA, with whom the other 2 Justices concurred stated, inter alia: \par }\pard\plain \s21\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 "It is not disputed that the appellant terminated the contract before it was operationalised. In my humble opinion no right had accrued to the respondent as an employee of the appellant. She was therefore not dismissed from employment. In order to get any

damages for breach she had to adduce evidence of damages she suffered as a result of the alleged breach. At the trial she gave evidence and stated what she wanted from the respondent was the salary she would have earned if she had worked with the responde nt, damages she would have received under the Health Insurance, damages for embarrassment and anguish which made her}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 return to her mother's home.\tab The respondent was not entitled to}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 remuneration of salary because she had not commenced her work with the}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{ \cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 appellant so the principle of restitution integrum does not apply. \tab I}{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs33\b\i\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 do not agree that by re-offering her the job, the appellant was accepting that there was a breach or that any damages had been occasioned by the termination of the contract. The notice that was given to the appellant satisfied the requirements of the law. That means that the termination was made with due notice and therefore, not wrongful." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb211\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I am unable to fault the above re-evaluation of the evidence and the conclusion reached by Byamug isha, JA. Clearly, the appellant had not commenced work of the 6 months probationary period under the contract and rendered any services for which remuneration would be payable. Having been prevented from commencing the contract of service, the appellant should have mitigated damages by accepting the re-engagement that had been offered. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The respondent as an employer had a right under the provisions of Section 24(1) of the Employment Act to terminate the contract by giving the appellant seven days' notice or pay her seven days' wages in lieu of notice. In this case, the respondent gave the appellant a notice of over 4 months which was over and above the period prescribed by the Act or a reasonable period stipulated under common law rule. Therefore, the res pondent rightly terminated the appellant's contract of employment. \par }{\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb221\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 In the result, the appellant had no accrued rights under the contract of employment which was terminated before it was operationalised. Further on the facts, the appellant had suffered no l oss or damage that could attract damages. Therefore, grounds one and two ought to fail. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 In my view, disposal of grounds 1 and 2 disposes of the 3}{\cs34\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 r}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 ground, because the appellant had been served with notice of termination of the contract of employment. Therefore, this ground also ought to fail. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb211\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 In the result, this appeal has no merit and ought to be dismissed with costs here and in the courts below. \par }\pard\plain \s23\qc \li0\ri0\sb77\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\b\fs30\ul\insrsid8930407 \par }{\cs37\b\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 JUDGMENT OF TSEKOOKO, JSC. \par }\pard\plain \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx6984\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I have had the benefit of reading in}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 daft the}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 judgment prepared by my learned}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 brother,}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Karokora, JSC. \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb14\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I agree with his conclusions and the}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 proposed}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 orders that the appeal ought to fail}{\cs34\insrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 and that}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 the respondent should get the costs of this appeal. \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb19\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 The facts of this case are summarised by my learned brother who has also reproduced the grounds of appeal.}{ \cs34\insrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I am unable to appreciate the reasoning of the learned trial judge, Mondha. J, to the effect that termination of the contract of employment was arbitrary when the respo ndent in effect served a four months notice of intention to terminate the contract. By the time the notice was served the appellant had not started working.}{\cs34\insrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 By any standards that was reasonable notice considering that according to S.24 (1) of the Employmen t Act, where an employee was on probation, the respondent could terminate a contract on notice of 7 days. Indeed in this case the appellant had not even assumed duty so that even the issue of probation could not arise to entitle her to a long notice.

\par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Aga in I am not persuaded by the reasoning of the learned trial judge when she opined that the respondent did not act in good faith when it reoffered the same job to the appellant who deliberately chose not to accept the fresh offer. Her refusal to accep t that offer is tantamount to failure to mitigate damages on her part. \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I therefore agree with the opinion of Byamugisha, JA, that the trial judge erred in holding that the respondent did not give notice. I also agree with Byamugisha. JA. , in her conclusi on that in this case, it was the appellant who should have mitigated damages by accepting the fresh offer. \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 In my opinion since the time for the appellant to assume duty was four months away before the termination, the appellant had no accrued rights entitling her to any damages. This is one of those cases in which I believe that if she had succeeded in her app eal she could only be entitled to some nominal damages. \par }\pard\plain \s25\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par \par }\pard \s25\ql \li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Therefore the Court of Appeal was entirely justified in dismissing the appeal. I would dismiss this appeal which has no merit whatsoever. \par }\pard\plain \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb77\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 As the other members of the Court agree with the judgment of and orders proposed by Karokora, JSC, this appeal is dismissed with costs to the respondent in this Court and in the courts below. \par }\pard\plain \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs31\b\ul\insrsid8930407 \par }{\cs31\b\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 JUDGMENT OF KANYEIHAMBA, JSC. \par }\pard\plain \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s27\qj \li0\ri0\sb230\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx5957\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I have had the benefit of reading in draft the judgment of my learned}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 brother, Karokora, JSC and I agree }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 with him that this appeal ought }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 to}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{ \cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 be dismissed and I would award costs in this court and the courts}{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 }{\cs34\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 below to the respondent\tab \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs31\b\ul\insrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s16\qc \li0\ri0\sb62\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs31\b\ul\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 JUDGMENT OF KATUREEBE, JSC}{\cs31\b\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 . \par }\pard\plain \s27\qj \li0\ri0\sb187\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs29\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I }{\cs32\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 have had the benefit of reading in draft the Judgments of my learned brothers Karokora, JSC and Tsekooko, JSC. \par }\pard \s27\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s27\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs29\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 I }{\cs32\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 fully agree with their conclusions and orders for the reasons they have ably explained in those Judgments. I have nothing useful to add. \par }\pard \s27\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\fs20\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 \par }\pard \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sb14\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx3014\tldot\tx4008\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8930407 {\cs32\b\i\dn4\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 Dated at Mengo this 3}{\cs32\b\i\dn4\super\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 rd}{ \cs32\b\i\dn4\insrsid8930407 }{\cs32\b\i\dn4\insrsid8930407\charrsid8930407 day of October 2006. \par }}