Kampala Phamaceuticals vs Gullaballi Ushalan (Civil Appeal No 49 of 1997) [1998] UGCA 6 (28 April 1998)

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Jessica chemeri}{\operator Wor. Jessica chemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo8\dy5\hr14\min5}{\revtim\yr2008\mo9\dy12\hr10\min58}{\version8}{\edmins96}{\nofpages7}{\nofwords1895}{\nofchars10806}{\nofcharsws12676} {\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\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\rsidroot11941840\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9312254 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9312254 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9312254 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9312254 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid15619654\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13439566 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid9312254 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid13771496 7}}}{\cs17\insrsid9312254 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid9312254 {\insrsid9312254 \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 \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11941840 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 }{\ul\insrsid9312254 }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 THE }{\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 REPUBLIC}{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 OF UGANDA}{\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 \par }{\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line }{\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA }{\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 AT KAMPALA \par }{\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 (CORAM}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 : }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 HON. MR. JUSTICE S. T. MANYINDO,DCJ; HON. LADY JUSTICE } {\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 MPAGI BAHIGEINE,JA; HON. MR. JUSTICE J. P. BERKO,JA. }{\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 \par }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line }{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 CIVIL APPEAL NO.49/97}{\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\ul\insrsid9312254 \par }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 \line KAMPALA PHARMACEUTICALS}{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 APPELLANT}{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \par }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 \line }{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 VERSUS}{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \par }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 \line }{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 GU}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 LLABALLI USHALAN. I}{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{ \b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 RESPONDENT}{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line \line }{\b\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT}{\b\ul\insrsid9312254\charrsid2622109 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13771496 {\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line This is an appeal challenging the amount of general damages awarded by the learned Principal Judge in a suit for wrongful dismissal and breach of contract of employment instituted by the Respondent against the Appellant.}{\insrsid9312254 \line The background is as follows:}{\insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid9312254 On }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 or about the 1st January}{\insrsid9312254 1991 the Respondent/Plaintiff Gullaball}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 i Ushalani entered into a written contract of }{\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 employment}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 with the Appellant/Defendant for a fixed period of five }{\insrsid9312254 (}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 5) years but with effect from 4/12/91 till 3/12/96. \line The Responde}{\insrsid9312254 nt}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 was appointed to work as a Quantity Control Manager during the said period. Her emoluments were to be as }{\insrsid9312254\charrsid9312254 follows}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 :}{\insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 (a}{\insrsid9312254 )}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 a salary of Shs.200,000/= p.m. \line }{\insrsid9312254 (}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 b) an averseas\rquote }{\insrsid74985 s allowance of U$.2,000= p.m. \line }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \par }{\insrsid74985 She was also to be entitled to other usual }{\insrsid2622109 f}{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 rin}{\insrsid2622109 g}{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 e}{\insrsid2622109 }{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 benefits}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid74985 not}{\b\insrsid74985 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 the subject of this appeal. \line Out of the five years stipulated in their written contract, the Respondent worked for only nine (9) m}{ \insrsid74985 onths for which she was paid an}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 d after which the appellant made }{\insrsid74985 it impossible for her to work. H}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 er employer persuaded her to take her overseas leave between January and February 1992. On he r return she found the company had changed its name from Inlex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. to that of Kampala Pharmaceuticals Ltd. on 13/3/92. The new company neither assigned her work nor did it terminate her contract. She contended that she could not herself t erminate it for fear of losing her benefits. In her view the contract subsisted till the end of the five (5) years even though she was not being assigned any work. \line She filed this suit on 14th May, 1993 claiming general damages for breach of contract, all emoluments due until the end of the contract period, together with costs of the suit. \line The learned Principal Judge found for the respondent and ordered the appellant to pay the respondent the following damages:}{\insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 (a}{\insrsid74985 ) }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 Shs.1O}{\insrsid74985\charrsid9312254 , 200,000}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 = special damages for loss of her salary for 51 months; \line }{\insrsid74985 }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 (b) U$102,000 for loss of her expatriate allowance over the period of 51 months; \line }{\insrsid74985 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 (c) Shs.4.900}{\insrsid74985\charrsid9312254 , 000}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 = general damages}{\insrsid74985 .}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line The memorandum of appeal comprises three grounds:}{\insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid4073096 (1) }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 That the learned trial Judge erred both in law and fact}{\insrsid4073096 when he awarded a sum of Shs.10}{\insrsid4073096\charrsid9312254 , 200,000}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 = as special damages for a period of 51 months and a sum of US$102,000 for loss of expatriate allowance for a period of over 51 months }{\insrsid4073096 w}{\insrsid4073096\charrsid9312254 ithout}{\insrsid4073096 taking into account the fact that the respondent could nave mitigated her damages and/}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 or loss. \line 2) That the learned trial Judge erred in awarding the respondent both special }{\insrsid4073096 damages and loss of expatriate }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 allowance basing the calculations on a period of 51 months instead of 6 months which was the stipulated period of notice under the contract of employment. \line (3) That the learned trial Judge erred in}{\insrsid4073096 law by awarding a sum of Shs.l0,}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 200,000= as special damages for loss of salary for 51 months and a sum of US$102,000 for loss of expatriate allowance for 51 months without subjecting such awards to taxation in accordance with the laws of Uganda in that regard.}{\insrsid4073096 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line The three grounds were argued together on appeal. \line }{\insrsid10757138 Mr.}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 Bitangaro Counsel for the appellant conceded that the contract of employment was terminat}{ \insrsid10757138 ed by the Appellant and that no}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 notice of termination was even given to the Respondent. He however faulted the learned trial Judge for misconstruing Clause 8 of the Contract. This provides:}{ \insrsid10757138 \par \'938\'85..}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 The Production}{\insrsid10757138 and Quality Control Manager\rquote s }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 emplo yment hereunder may be determined at any time by either of the parties hereto giving to the other of them six }{\insrsid10757138\charrsid9312254 month\rquote s}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 written notice to that effect or by the company paying her in addition to any salary or commission that may be due to her a sum equivalent to six }{\insrsid10757138\charrsid9312254 month\rquote s}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 salary in lieu of such notice.\'94 \line He submitted that the Respondent was entitled to only six }{\insrsid10757138\charrsid9312254 month\rquote s}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 salary and that the Judge erred in using a multipl}{\insrsid10757138 ier of 51 months. By using a 6}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 months multiplier he ought to have made the following awards:}{\insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid10757138 Expatriate }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 allowance US$2,000 x 6 = }{\insrsid10757138 US$12,000=}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 and }{\insrsid10757138 Salary shs.200}{\insrsid15207890 ,000}{\insrsid10757138 }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 x 6 = }{\insrsid10757138 1,}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 200,000=. \line He further argued that the learned Judge failed to take into account mitigating circumstances. The respondent being a highly qualified person could have terminate d the contract herself and opted for alternative employment elsewhere. He contended the special damages awarded by the Judge were not proved. \line He pointed out the general damages awarded by the Judge were excessive and the learned Judge gave no reason for awarding them. He suggested a figure of Shs.2m. would be adequate though he offered no authority for such a figure. \line Mr. Yese Mugenyi for the respondent justified the awards on the ground that the contract was never terminated. He argued that it remained effective throughout though she was not being assigned work. The new management continued paying her hotel bills and car allowance. She was paid the salary for nine months. She also kept the car until May, 1994 when she filed the suit. He stated that the respondent could not terminate the contract herself for fear of losing her benefits. He submitted by awarding her 51 months\rquote compensation the learned trial Judge was fully compensating her under the contract.}{\insrsid10757138 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line While awarding special damages, the learned Principal Judge observed inter alia}{\insrsid10757138 \par }{\insrsid2622109 \'93It}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 has also been proved that the plaintiff worked for the defendant and was paid for 9 months whereas her cont}{\insrsid10757138 ra}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 ct of employment was to last for 5 years. This means that she has to recover her salary and allowances in respect of 4 years and 3 months (i.e. 51 months)}{\insrsid10910724 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.\'94}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line We agree with the learned Principal Judge that it is settled law that where the parties to a contract stipulate that the contract is to continue for a definite period, the contract cannot be terminated before the expiry of that period: See }{ \b\insrsid11941840\charrsid10910724 SOUTHERN HIGHLAND}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid10910724 TOBACCO UNION LIMITED }{\b\insrsid10910724\charrsid10910724 vs.}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid10910724 DAVID MCQUEEN (1960) EA 490 \par }{\insrsid10910724 Where the agreement w}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 as for a specific term with an express provision that the appellant could not be dismissed before the }{\insrsid10910724\charrsid9312254 expiration}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 of the agreed te}{\insrsid10910724 rm. When the appellant sued for}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 wrongful dismissal in breach}{\insrsid10910724 of the said agreement, he was awarded damages }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 representing the rem ainder of the term. It is therefore clear that a contract of employment for a definite period can only be terminated before the expiry of that period if the parties are so empowered by the terms of the contract. It is all a matter of construction of the w ords used in the contract. \line If a contract expressly specifies that either party to the contract may determine it by notice, this contract p}{\insrsid2981544 resents no problem at all: }{\b\insrsid2981544\charrsid2981544 LATCH}{ \b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2981544 FORD PREMIER GUEME}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2981544 LIMITED V ENNION (1931)}{\insrsid2981544 }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid2981544 CH.409.}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{ \insrsid2981544 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line In the instant case Clause 8 sti pulates that a six months notice is to be given in writing by either party desirous of terminating the contract. This means that the employer may choose to discharge the employee and pay the agreed salary for the time of notice or discharge the employee a n d risk suit for the recovery of the amount of salary for the time of the required notice. The recovery is limited to the notice period. This is the most important aspect of this case. We do consider this is the approach the learned Principal Judge should have adopted. A multiplier of six months should have been used to award the special damages. We should also poi}{\insrsid2981544 nt out or reiterate that the term}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \'93special damages\'94 connotes damages arising from the special circumstances of the case and by competent evidence directly traceable to failure to discharge a contractual obligation. We therefore agree with Counsel for the appellant that the learned Principal Judge should have awarded only: \line (a) Salary for}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid2622109 six}{ \b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 months i.e. Shs.200}{\insrsid11164418 ,}{\insrsid11164418\charrsid9312254 000}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 = \line (b) Overseas allowance for six months i.e. US$12,000. }{ \insrsid13771496 \par }{\insrsid2622109 Next it is well to co}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 nsider the qu}{\insrsid2622109 estion of general}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 damages}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 which was raised by Mr. Bitangaro though not mentioned in the }{\insrsid2622109 memorandu}{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 m}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 . It is a question of law. He argued the figure of Shs.4.9 million awarded as }{ \insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 a general damage was}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 too excessive and without basis in the circumstances. \line Mr. Mugenyi pointed out that by giving the respondent 51 months compensation, the learned Judge was fully compensating her. There was no evidence she could get alternative employment in which case she could not mitigate her circumstances for the whole period of 5 years. When considering the question of general damages, the learned Principal Judge observed inter alia: \line }{\insrsid2622109 \'85\'85.}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 I have already observed that the plaintiff could have terminated the contract of her employment by giving a 6 months\rquote written notice to the employers. However even if she had taken that course of action, she was a stranger}{\insrsid2622109 in a strange land. There is no }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 guarantee that the employer would have made payment to her of terminal benefit, judging from the obstinacy the employer has exhibited. There is }{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 likelihood }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 that in view of her Immigration status, it would not have been easy for her to get an alternative employment in Uganda. It. would still have been impossible for her to return home since she would have no money}{ \insrsid2622109 \'85..}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 She was greatly inconvenie}{\insrsid2622109 nced; she suffered deprivation,}{\insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 humiliation}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 and forced to depend on }{ \insrsid2622109\charrsid9312254 charity.... }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 She lived like a pauper}{\insrsid2622109 \'85..\'94}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line Lastly he considered general damages may include: \line }{\insrsid2622109 \'85\'85} {\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 transport claims, medical treatment, accommodation, education and leave entitlement}{\insrsid2622109 \'85\'85\'85\'94}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line It must not be forgotten that an employee is entitled to recover damages within the contemplation of the parties flowing from the breach of the contract. Therefore th e indemnity which the employer must pay the servant whom he dismisses without notice cannot include compensation for the servant\rquote s injured feelings, }{\insrsid14173489 by reason of the circumstances one }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 o}{ \insrsid14173489 f dis}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 mis}{\insrsid12793146 sal or for loss which she may sustain makes it}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 more}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid12793146 difficult for her}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 to}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid12793146 find fresh }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 employment. Damages for breach of contract are in the nature }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 of}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 compensation}{\insrsid12793146 not punishment: }{\b\insrsid12793146\charrsid3947076 ADDI}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid3947076 S v }{\b\insrsid12793146\charrsid3947076 GRAMAPHONE CO. LTD (1}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid3947076 909}{\b\insrsid12793146\charrsid3947076 )}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid3947076 AC 486}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 . Exemplary or vindictive damages cannot be awarded for breach }{ \insrsid12793146\charrsid12793146 of}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid12793146 contract of employment}{\insrsid13771496 .}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 . \line We therefore agree with Mr. Bitan}{\insrsid12793146 garo}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 that the learned }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 Principal}{\insrsid12793146 Judge sho}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 u}{\insrsid12793146 l}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 d have considered the }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 respondent\rquote s }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 qualifications and therefore the opportunity to get alternative employment. }{\insrsid13771496\charrsid9312254 It}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 was naive of}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 }{\insrsid12793146 h}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 er}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 to sit so idle in a foreign country for five years without taking steps to mitigate }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid12793146 her }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 plight. It is clear to us that the learned Principal Judge considered matters which should }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 otherwise}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 have been awarded as special damages which factor he }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 conceded}{\insrsid12793146 ) had they been so}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 pleaded}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 like }{ \insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 transport}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 , housing and }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 education}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 . That was }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 improper}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 as these are }{\insrsid12793146\charrsid9312254 quantifiable}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 claims and therefore to be claimed as special damages. \line Considering the reasoning adopted, it is difficult to see in what respect the respondent would be injured after being paid for the six months. Her nature of work was not such that she wo}{\insrsid10763334 uld wish}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 sit around for reasons other than money consi}{\insrsid10763334 deration. She was a very highly}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 q}{\insrsid10763334\charrsid9312254 ualified}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334\charrsid9312254 person}{\insrsid10763334 and was not }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 expected }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 to}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 remain idle but should have looked elsewhere for alternative employment,}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 but instead }{\insrsid10763334 s}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 he stayed around until the period of the contract expired and then returned home immediately. \line The test as to when an }{\insrsid10763334\charrsid9312254 appellate}{\insrsid10763334 court can}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 interfere with a finding of the trial Judge as}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 to}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 the amount of }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 damages was laid }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 down}{ \b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 in FLINT V LOVELL (}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 1934}{\insrsid10763334 )1 K. B}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 36}{\insrsid10763334 1}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 that.: \line \'93 in order to }{\insrsid10763334\charrsid9312254 justify}{\insrsid10763334 reversing}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 the t}{\insrsid10763334 rial Judg}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 e on the }{\insrsid10763334\charrsid10763334 q}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 uestion of the}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 amount }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 of}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 damages, it will}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 generally be necessar}{\insrsid10763334 y }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 that this court should be }{\insrsid10763334\charrsid9312254 convinced}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 either }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 that}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid10763334 the Judge acted upon some wrong princip}{\insrsid10763334\charrsid10763334 l}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 e}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 of law }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid10763334 or}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 that the amount awarded was }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 so}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 extremely high }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 or}{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 so very s}{\insrsid11164418 o }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 to make it, in the judgment o }{\insrsid11164418 f this court, an entirely e}{\insrsid11164418\charrsid9312254 rroneo}{\insrsid11164418 u}{\insrsid11164418\charrsid9312254 s}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 estimate of the damage to which the plaintiff is entitled\'94}{ \insrsid11164418 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line Also see: }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 RAMBHAI MALIJIBHAI PATEL - Civil Appeal No.20/42}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 and recently see: }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 ECHEN (U) LTD V GERALDINE NAMUBIRU & JOSEPHINE NAMUKASA}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 - }{\b\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 Civil Appeal No.29 of 1994}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 .}{\insrsid11164418 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line In sum the principle applied was wrong but in our view the figure of Shs.4.9m. was not ex}{\insrsid11164418 cessive as general damages. \line In the}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 }{\insrsid11164418 r}{ \insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 esult we allow the appeal, set aside the award made by the learned Principal Judge and sub}{\insrsid11164418 stitute an award of Shs.l, 200,000}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 as salary and U$12,000 overseas allowance. \line The appellant shall have the }{\insrsid11164418\charrsid9312254 cost, of}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 the appeal and of the suit.}{\insrsid11164418 \par }{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \line Dated at Kampala this}{\insrsid11164418 day 28}{\super\insrsid11164418\charrsid11164418 th}{\insrsid11164418 of April 1998}{\insrsid11941840\charrsid9312254 \par }{\b\ul\insrsid11164418\charrsid11164418 S. T. Manyindo }{\b\ul\insrsid11941840\charrsid11164418 \par }{\insrsid11164418 Deputy Chief Justice \par }{\b\ul\insrsid11164418\charrsid11164418 Mpagi-Bahigeine \par }{\insrsid11164418 Justice of Appeal \par }{\b\ul\insrsid11164418\charrsid11164418 J. P. Berko \par }{\insrsid11164418 Justice of Appeal}{\insrsid11164418\charrsid9312254 \par }}