Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd v Safeway Pharmacy Ltd (HCT-00-CC-CS 743 of 2005) [2007] UGCommC 65 (27 June 2007)

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{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\author Fredrick Egonda-Ntende}{\creatim\yr2007\mo6\dy22\hr9\min45}{\author Fredrick Egonda-Ntende}{\revtim\yr2007\mo6\dy22\hr9\min46}{\printim\yr2007\mo6\dy22\hr10\min46}{\comment StarWriter}{\vern6800}}\deftab720 {\*\pgdsctbl {\pgdsc0\pgdscuse195\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1800\margrsxn1800\margtsxn1440\margbsxn708\footery0{\*\footeryt676\footerxl0\footerxr0\footeryh732}{\footer \pard\plain\pard\plain \absw120\absh-275\pvpara\posy1\phcol\posxc{\*\flymaincnt5\flyvert27936\flyhorz63490\flyanchor4}\s8\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\field{\*\fldinst \\page}{\fldrslt 3}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\*\cs13\cf0 } \par \pard \pard\plain \s8\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640 \par } \pgdscnxt0 Standard;}} {\*\pgdscno0}\paperh15840\paperw12240\margl1800\margr1800\margt1440\margb708\sectd\sbknone\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1800\margrsxn1800\margtsxn1440\margbsxn1440\footery708{\footer \pard\plain\pard\plain \absw120\absh-275\pvpara\posy1\phcol\posxc{\*\flymaincnt5\flyvert27936\flyhorz63490\flyanchor4}\s8\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640{\field{\*\fldinst \\page}{\fldrslt 3}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\*\cs13\cf0 } \par \pard \pard\plain \s8\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640 \par } \ftnbj\ftnstart1\ftnrstcont\ftnnar\aenddoc\aftnrstcont\aftnstart1\aftnnrlc \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA HOLDEN AT KAMPALA} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b COMMERCIAL COURT DIVISION} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\b\loch\fs24\lang2057\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b HCT-00-CC-CS-0743-2005} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd PLAINTIFF} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 VERSUS} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Safeway Pharmacy Ltd DEFENDANT} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ul\ulc0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\b\loch\fs24\lang2057\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b BEFORE: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE FMS EGONDA-NTENDE} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b JUDGMENT} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 1.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 The plaintiff brings this action to recover from the defendant special and general damages, interest and costs of this suit. It is contended for the plaintiff that the defendant sought and was supplied by the plaintiff with various items and quantities of drugs/medicines from 5}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 th}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 September 2000 to 22}{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 nd}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 January 2001. The defendant made part payment leaving a balance of Shs.26,927,000.00 as at 27}{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 th}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 March 2001. In spite of several demands by the plaintiff, the defendant failed and or refused to pay the said su m of money.}} \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 2.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 The defendant was served with summons but failed to file a defence. The plaintiff applied for interlocutory judgment and the setting down the suit for formal proof. The application did not cite any law under which this matter should be handled. The Registr ar obliged and entered on 14}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 th}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 February 2007 and set down the suit for formal proof. At the hearing for formal proof the plaintiff called one witness and closed its case.}} \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 3.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 It is clear to me that much as in the plaint in this case the claim for Shs.26,927,000.00 was referred to as a claim for \'91special damages\'92, this was no claim for special damages as such. It is simply a claim for a debt unpaid, which in substance is a liqui dated demand. This claim is not a claim for pecuniary damages. Coupling it with a claim for general damages and then seeking an interlocutory judgment, which I presume was intended to be under Order 9 Rule 8 of the Civil Procedure Rules, was an error, as only claims for pecuniary damages only can fall under that rule.} \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 4.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri0\lin720\rin0\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 In this regard, reference is made to an earlier decision of this court, in }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\ul\ulc0\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\i\loch\lang2057\i Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd v Uganda Confidential Ltd and Anor, HCT-00-CC-CS-0612-2006 (unreported),}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 in which it is noted, }} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\li1440\ri1440\lin1440\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'91}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 Order 9 Rule 8 applies, to }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\i\loch\lang2057\i \'91a plaint drawn with a claim for pecuniary damages only\'92}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 or a claim for the detention of goods which is not the case before me. There is a claim for pecuniary damages in this case, but it is not the only claim in the plaint. The re are several other claims for liquidated amounts for which Order 9 rule 6 grants the court discretion to enter judgment in case the defendant did not file a defence.}} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 The rules do not provide specifically for cases where there is a conjunction of claims for both liquidated demand and pecuniary damages and the defendant does not file a defence. Is it possible to apply both rules 6 and 8 conjunctively? That is to disaggre gate the claims in the plaint, and apply rule 6 to those claims to which it applies, and apply rule 8, to that part of the claim to which rule 8 may presumably apply. This may not be possible given the wording of rule 8, which refers to \'91a plaint drawn wit h a claim for pecuniary }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\i\loch\lang2057\i damages only}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 \'92. Rule 8 appears to be restricted in application to plaints in which there is a claim for pecuniary damages only or for the detention of goods. If the plaint in question has other claims or has other claims coupled with these claims, it cannot fall within the operation of rule 8, which is restricted to a plaint a claim for pecuniary damages only, in the context of this suit.\'92}} \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri1440\lin720\rin1440\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 5.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri1440\lin720\rin1440\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 The entering of an interlocutory judgment in this case was an error, given the joinder of a liquidated claim, even though it was \'91christened\'92 \'91special damages\'92 with one for pecuniary damages. Much as a hearing proceeded on such a judgment, such a hearing w as in error in too. I accordingly set aside both the interlocutory judgment, and the hearing for formal proof that proceeded upon it.} \par \pard\plain {\listtext\pard\plain \li720\ri1440\lin720\rin1440\fi-360\lang2057\f0\f0\lang1025\sl360\slmult1\tx720 6.\tab}\ilvl0 \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\tx720\ls0\li720\ri1440\lin720\rin1440\fi-360\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 As there was proof of service, and the defendant did not file a defence, I will enter judgment for the plaintiff, under Order 9 Rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules, for the liquidated demand of Shs.26,927,000.00 with interest at 8% per annum from 24}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 th}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 Apri l 2005 to the date of judgment, and thereafter at court rate till payment in full and costs of this suit. }} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\sl360\slmult1\li0\ri1440\lin0\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\li0\ri1440\lin0\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057{\ltrch\hich\loch}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 Dated, signed and delivered at Kampala this {\*\bkmkstart DDE_LINK1}28}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0{{\*\updnprop5801}\up10\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 th}{\rtlch\ltrch\dbch\hich\lang2057\loch\lang2057 day of June 2007 {\*\bkmkend DDE_LINK1}}} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\li0\ri1440\lin0\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 FMS Egonda-Ntende} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f0\fs24\lang2057\i0\b0 Judge} \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\li1440\ri1440\lin1440\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\li0\ri1440\lin0\rin1440\fi0\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s1\ql\rtlch\af0\afs24\lang1025\ltrch\dbch\af0\langfe255\hich\fs24\lang2057\loch\fs24\lang2057 \par }