Komakech Geofrey v Umeme Ltd (Civil Suit No.13 Of 2006) (Civil Suit No.13 of 2006) [2008] UGHC 102 (5 September 2008) | Negligence | Esheria

Komakech Geofrey v Umeme Ltd (Civil Suit No.13 Of 2006) (Civil Suit No.13 of 2006) [2008] UGHC 102 (5 September 2008)

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.}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA \par AT GULU \par HIGH COURT CIVIL SUIT NUMBER 0013 \endash 2006 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 \par KOM}{\b\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 AKECH GEOFFREY :::::}{\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 ::::::::::::::::PLAINTIFF \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 VERSUS \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 \par }{\b\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 UMEME LIMITED::::::::::}{\b\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 ::::::::::::::::::::DEFENDANT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\b\ul\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 BEFORE: HON. JUSTICE REMMY K. KASULE \par \par JUDGMENT \par }{\b\ul\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The plaintiff claims from the defendant company special damages of shs. 16,509, 000/= being cost of a destroyed building and household property. He also claims gene}{\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 r}{\insrsid3562931\charrsid10124400 al damages. \par }{\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The claim arose as a result of }{\insrsid7475386\charrsid10124400 an electric fire that burnt the plaintiff\rquote s house and personal properties at Ayul \'93B\'94 ward, Kitgum Town Council, Kitgum District on 12.08.2005.}{\insrsid1387572\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid7475386\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The defendant, a limited liability company, registered under the companies Act is being sued as the distributor and provider of the electricity to the plaintiff}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid7475386\charrsid10124400 as a customer, }{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 a}{\insrsid7475386\charrsid10124400 t the stated burnt plaintiff\rquote s premises. \par }{\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab At the scheduling conference four issues were framed for resolution by court. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-615\li975\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx975\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin975\itap0\pararsid11359668 { \insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 Whether the defendant was negligent in providing electricity to the plaintiff\rquote s premises. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}Whether the doctrine of }{\b\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 Res I psa Loquitor}{\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 applied to the plaintiff\rquote s case}{ \insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 .}{\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}Whether plaintiff suffered any damages, and if so, what is the quantum}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 .}{\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-615\li975\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx975\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin975\itap0\pararsid6700652 { \insrsid11359668\charrsid10124400 What are the remedies available to the parties.}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 \par }\pard \ql \fi360\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11035492 {\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 As to the first issue}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 the }{\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 plaintiff}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 testified that a qualified electrician carried out the electric wiring of his premises at Ayul \'93B\'94 ward, Kitgum and that}{ \insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 there}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 after, on being satisfied with the wiring}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 , h}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 e was}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 connected to and }{ \insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 supplied with electricity. This was in April, 2003. }{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 H}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 e produced exhibits P1 and P2, being receipts of payments for connection, and exhibit P3}{ \insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 being certificate of }{\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 completion}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 of }{\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 installation}{ \insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 as proof that the wiring was proper and was approve}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 d. Otherwise there would never }{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 have b}{\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 e}{ \insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 en any }{\insrsid11035492\charrsid10124400 connection}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 of the}{\insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 electricity}{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 power supply to the }{ \insrsid1184632\charrsid10124400 suit }{\insrsid6700652\charrsid10124400 premises. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Plaintiff\rquote s further testimony was }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 that as from }{ \insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 2003 he}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 had no problem with the electricity supply at his stated premises until the 12.08.2005}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 . On that }{ \insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 he had left his premises without any problem in the morning, }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 hen at about mid-day}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 , while in Kitgum Town, he}{ \insrsid13257568\charrsid10124400 received a report }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 hat his house and properties were on fire}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 . The fire had been}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 caused by faulty electricity supply in Ayul ward}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 s}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 \'93A\'94 and \'93B\'94}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 , Kitgum Town. He rushed home, and w}{\insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 hile} {\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 proceeding to his home in Ayul}{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 \'93}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 B\'94}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 ward, }{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 he saw electricity fire sparks }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 on the electricity}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 installations in the area. R}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 esidents }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 were }{ \insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 complaining of an electric fire problem in}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 both}{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 Ayul \'93A\'94}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 abd \'93B\'94 }{\insrsid16350609\charrsid10124400 ward }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 s, Kitgum Town.}{\insrsid7475386\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab On arrival at his home in Ayul \'93B\'94 ward}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 he found his house and personal properties inside burning. He made a report to the defendant \rquote s office and to the police }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 in}{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 Kitgum}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 Town}{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 . }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 Representative from b}{ \insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 oth }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 Police and the Defendant }{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 came to the scene of the fire and carried out investigations. One Oryema owner of a bar in the area}{ \insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 was also affected by the fa}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 ulty }{\insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 electricity and he too}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 made a report}{ \insrsid1922980\charrsid10124400 to the defendant. \par }{\insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab According to plaintiff, before the fire broke out, the electricity in the area, would be}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 come}{\insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 low and dim}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 at a certain moment of the day}{\insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 , and then suddenly it would go to a high voltage}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 at another moment}{\insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 . Plaintiff concluded from this that it was the transformer in the area that was faulty, possibly due to the increased number of consumers of the electricity in the area}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 at that material time}{ \insrsid8539231\charrsid10124400 . \par }{\insrsid8085724\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab After the incident of 12.08.2005, the whole area had no power for about a month, a transformer was changed and a new one was provided by defendant and power restored. \par \tab \tab In further proof of negligence on the part of defendant, PW2, Komakech Johnstone, an employee, on casual basis}{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid8085724\charrsid10124400 with the defendant at the material time, who possessed an electrical certificate craft II, working with }{\insrsid209392\charrsid10124400 the defendant\rquote s }{\insrsid8085724\charrsid10124400 linesmen putting new poles and replacing trans}{ \insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 formers, stated that on 12.08.2005, while at defendant\rquote s premises in Kitgum}{\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 Town}{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 , two customers reported to defendant that electricity was fault} {\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 y}{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 in Kitgum Town. One was an hotel proprietor while the other }{\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 operated }{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 a grinding mi}{ \insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 l}{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 l. The complaint was}{\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 that}{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 electricity power}{\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 in their respective areas}{ \insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 was fluctuating f}{\insrsid8667334\charrsid10124400 r}{\insrsid7100515\charrsid10124400 om high to low and vice versa. While still at the defendant\rquote s premises in Kitgum Town, a report was also brought in of the plaintiff\rquote s house and properties having caught fire due to faulty electricity supply in the area. }{\insrsid8085724\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 This witness}{\insrsid14621189\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 together with other employees of the defendant}{\insrsid14621189\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 proceeded to che ck on the complaints which included visiting plaintiff\rquote s premises. \par According to this witness the fault with the electricity supply }{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 in the area, }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 at that material time}{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 was that a neutron in the transformer }{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 had }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 got broken and this}{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 had }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 resulted in fires sta rting, including the one that burnt the house and properties of the plaintiff. }{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 The witness explained that fire had to happen }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 because with the neutron being broken, the voltage of the electric current }{\insrsid15171349\charrsid10124400 had to rise without }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 being controlled. \par \tab \tab In finding out what was wrong with the electricity supply system on that day, the witness was with the }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 defendant\rquote s employees, the }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 assistant faulty officer, one Ibigu Jimmy, and the }{\insrsid15819695\charrsid10124400 S}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 enior }{\insrsid15819695\charrsid10124400 L}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 inesman Grade II}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 amongst others. \par \tab \tab As a holder of Electric craft II certificate, the witness }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 wa}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 s knowledgeable about wiring a building, motor-vehicles and underst}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 ood}{ \insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 what }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 would happen}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 if a neutron in the transformer }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 got }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 spoilt}{ \insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 . The }{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 fire ha}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 d}{\insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 to break out as the voltage }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 rose without being controlled}{ \insrsid5652149\charrsid10124400 . \par }{\insrsid12600291\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The witnesses, together with the rest of the inspection team of defendant, on inspecting the plaintiff\rquote s premises, after the fire}{\insrsid14232521\charrsid10124400 , found that the fire started from the meter box and then entered the plaintiff\rquote s building.}{\insrsid12600291\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 PW3: D. C. Ekolo Lawrence and PW4 D/Asp Okot David}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 , both of Kitgum police station}{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 at the material time, confirmed that police investigations of the incident, showed that other people, }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 in addition to }{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 the plaintiff, }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 also reported t}{ \insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 he faulty electric power supply being responsible for causing damage to their respective premises, and }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 that }{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 the}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 area} {\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 manager of the defendant confirm}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 ed }{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 that }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 the }{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 transformer}{ \insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 in the area}{\insrsid9265066\charrsid10124400 was faulty, resulting in high voltage and thus the fires. \par }{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Defendant denied an}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 y negligence on his part. A}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 ccording to evidence of DW1, Ebong Bonny, a technical office r of defendant, with a diploma in electrical engineering, the cause of the fire}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 at the plaintiff\rquote s premises}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 was the faulty electrical engineering inside the plaintiff\rquote s house that got burnt. \par \tab \tab This witness visited and inspected the plaintiff\rquote s premises after the fire and made a report, exhibit D1, dated 15.08.2005 whereby he found that the}{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 electric}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 wiring }{ \insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 at plaintiff\rquote s premises }{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 was improperly done as 2.5 }{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 mm}{\super\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 2 }{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 instead}{ \insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 of 4 mm}{\super\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 2}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 cable had been }{\insrsid9002596\charrsid10124400 used }{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 and the same}{ \insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 had}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 got burnt. There was also no proper earthing done to conduct excess current to the ground. The fire had started from inside the house spreading towards their main switch and meter Number, but the me}{\insrsid666063\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 er position was still intact and there was no sign of fire}{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 even as at the time of the making of the report: i.e. 15.08.05. }{\insrsid666063\charrsid10124400 The}{ \insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 report, though recommending further investigations to be carried}{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 out}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 , concluded that the cause of the fire was not from UMEM}{ \insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 E}{\insrsid5906189\charrsid10124400 side. \par }{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab According to this witness, he was told that the wiring contractor had not issued to the plaintiff an installation certificate, and }{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 since the wiring contractor was a private contractor}{\insrsid15418551\charrsid10124400 , he}{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 had to bear the blame, and not the defendant}{\insrsid1540092\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 for the faulty electric wiring. \par \tab \tab Court notes that DW1 did not deny that PW2 was at the material time, an employee of the defendant and that he}{\insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 PW2}{\insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 did visit the scene of complaints, the plaintiff\rquote s premises inclusive. }{\insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 There}{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 are}{ \insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 therefore}{\insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 two conflicting versions as to the cause of the fire}{\insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 both versions}{\insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid5968427\charrsid10124400 coming from witnesses who were employees of the defendant, at the material}{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 time}{ \insrsid13395281\charrsid10124400 . A}{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 ccording to DW1: it was the faulty wiring inside the house, while according to PW2, it was the faulty transformer that caused the fire.}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 Court has to resolve as to who of the two witnesses stated the truth to court.}{\insrsid12328536\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab DW1 offered no explanation as to why, since 2003, when the alleged faulty wiring was done}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 ;}{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 and connection to the main electricity power supply done}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 up to 2005}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 when the fire broke out, }{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 the plaintiff \rquote s premises had not been}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 affected by faulty wiring all that time of }{\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 DW1 also}{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 did not show court, cause any photograph of the inside of the metre box to be taken to show that it was not burnt inside. The photograph produced by the plaintiff exhibit P5 (b) shows a bundle of electric wires from the metre box disjoined from the electric wires going inside the house. It was not ruled out by any evidence that fire or high voltage of electricity could not have caused this. Further, DW1}{\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 contradicted himself by maintaining that the wiring was faulty, yet when challenged that an installation certificate }{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 exhibit P3, }{\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 was iss}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 u}{ \insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 ed to plaintiff showing that wiring was proper and that is why plaintiff was connected to the main supply, DW1 }{\insrsid15994849\charrsid10124400 admitted that:-}{\insrsid7037683\charrsid10124400 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7680834 {\b\i\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 \'93 UEDCL/UMEME would only connect on being satisfied that the contractor has done a sati sfactory job. \par }\pard \ql \fi720\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7680834 {\b\i\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 By virtue of the fact that a certificate was issued, then the installation is taken to be alright.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab As one who worked with Uganda Electricity Board for 14 years, then 3 years with Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited and 2 years with the defendant, successor in title to the previous two companies as regards electricity distribution, DW1 \rquote s }{\insrsid14578400\charrsid10124400 failure to give a straight forward explanation, coupled with his being contradictory as shown above}{\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 show that he did not tell the whole truth to this court}{ \insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 .}{\insrsid13180354\charrsid10124400 Court saw the demeanour of the witnesses PW2, PW3, PW4 and DW1. PW2, PW3 and PW4 gave their evidence in a straight forward manner, without in any way}{ \insrsid15418551\charrsid10124400 being reluctant to answer any questions put to them. On the other hand, DW1 took long and was reluctant to give answers to some of the questions put to him under cross-examination, particular where the answers sought tendered to be against the case of the defendant.}{\insrsid4417694\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Court prefers, on a balance of probabilities, to believe the evidence of plaintiff, PW2, PW3 and PW4}{\insrsid15418551\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid15418551\charrsid10124400 which was consistent and not contradictory, }{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 that the cause of the fire was the faulty transformer in the area and that other customers in the area, in addition to the plaintiff, were victims of this faulty electricity supply.}{\insrsid15418551\charrsid10124400 The evidence of DW1 as to the issue of negligence is rejected as being not straight forward.}{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 \par \tab \tab The defendant, as the authorized licensee to distribute electricity to the plaintiff, owed a duty of care to the plaintiff as defined by Lord Atkin in DONOGHUE }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 VS}{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 S}{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 TEVENSON }{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 (1932) }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 AC}{\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 562: \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15670688 {\b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 \'93}{\b\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 Y}{\b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 ou must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonabl}{\b\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 y}{\b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour}{\b\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 }{ \b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 persons so closely and directly affected by my a}{\b\insrsid13836144\charrsid10124400 c}{\b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 t that I ought reasonably to have them in contemplation as being so }{ \b\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 affected when I am directing my mind to the acts or omissions which}{\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 }{\b\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 are called in question\'94}{\b\insrsid9908093\charrsid10124400 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1387572 {\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab It was thus negligence in failing to ensure that a proper transformer \endash and indeed the whole system of distributing and providing electricity to the plaintiff, was in place. \par }{\insrsid8263633\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Though not specifically pleaded, DW1 testified, and it was submitted, that the defendant is not liable because according to the lease exhibit D3, that obtains between the defendant and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company}{ \insrsid8154919\charrsid10124400 Limited, the predecessor to the defendant in the distribution and supply of electricity in Uganda, the defendant only took over the assets, and did not take over the liabilities of the predecessor company, i.e. UEDCL.}{ \insrsid8263633\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid3302090\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab As already stated the defendant never pleaded in the written statement of defence that there is no liability by reason of the terms of the lease agreement}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid3302090\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 e}{\insrsid3302090\charrsid10124400 xhibit D3. What defendant pleaded was denial of negligence and that the doctrine of res Ipsa Loquitor does not apply to the facts of this case.

\par }{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Be that as it may be, this court is unable to conclude from the list of }{\b\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 \'93 Leased Assets\'94}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 on page 7 of the lease: }{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 e}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 xhibit D3}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 that liabilities like those of the plaintiff, are not the responsibility of the defendant}{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 .}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 T}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 he mere listing of }{\b\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 \'93Leased assets\'94}{ \insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 cannot on its own alone mean that the defendant is not liable for the acts or omissions of the predecessor company. \par \tab \tab Further, on the evidence of PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4, }{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 which}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 court, for }{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 reasons}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 already given, }{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 has preferred }{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 to that of DW1, the n egligence complained of by the plaintiff is of acts and omissions of April, 2005, when the defendant was directly responsible for distributing electricity and supply electric power to consumers, including the }{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 plaintiff}{ \insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 . The negligence that this court has }{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 found}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 as established is that on 12.08.2005}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 or there about}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 the defendant failed to put in}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 p}{ \insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 l}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 a}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 c}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 e necessary pro}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 p}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 er equipments to ensure the safety }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 o}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 f consumers, plaintiff inclusive, while distributing elec}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 ric}{ \insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 i}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 ty and supplying electric power, to the plai}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 n}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 i}{ \insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 ffs premises in Ayul \'93B\'94 ward, Kitgum Town, Kitgum Distr}{\insrsid5729206\charrsid10124400 i}{\insrsid15670688\charrsid10124400 ct. \par }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Finally, the te}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 r}{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 ms and conditions of the Lease Agreement, the defendant is trying to rely on, are matters specially within the knowledge of the defendant, the}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 l}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 ease agreement }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 being a private arrangement between the defendant and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited. The arrangement is not a matter of public knowledge, for the plaintiff to}{ \insrsid3408309\charrsid10124400 have}{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 had }{\insrsid3408309\charrsid10124400 access}{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 to }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 and knowledge of }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 such terms and conditions}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 . }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 The burden therefore was on the defendant to add }{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 to }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 this suit the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, or whoever the defendant }{\insrsid858247\charrsid10124400 took }{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 to be liable on the basis of the alleged private arrangement to avoid liability}{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 as contained in exhibit D3}{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 . The defendant did not only plead the issue in defence, but also took no steps to add to the su}{\insrsid858247\charrsid10124400 it the one he }{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 regarded }{\insrsid858247\charrsid10124400 to be liable.}{\insrsid7675758\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid858247\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab This court, on the reasons stated above, rejects the defendant contention that he is not liable for the plaintiff for the negligence complained of. }{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 The answer to the first issue is that the defendant was negligent to the plaintiff.}{\insrsid858247\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The second issue is whether the doctrine of }{\b\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 Res Ipsa Loquitor}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 applies to this case. \par \tab \tab The essential requirements for the}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 a}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 pplicability of the doctrine of }{\b\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 res I psa loquitor}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 are}{ \insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 first}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 that}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 :}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 the event causing the accident or damage must have been under the sole control and management of the one}{\insrsid6820925\charrsid10124400 , or an }{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 authorized agent or representative}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,} {\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 the doctri}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ne is being applied against second, }{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 the occurrence of }{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 he event must be such that it could not have happened without negligence}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 . Third, must be }{\insrsid14436189\charrsid10124400 no evidence or explanation as to how or why the occurrence took place: See}{ \b\insrsid14436189\charrsid10124400 Roy Nanziri & Another vs Joseph Kambaza: (1978) HCB at 304, Odoki Ag}{\b\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 .}{\b\insrsid14436189\charrsid10124400 J.}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 }{ \insrsid14436189\charrsid10124400 as he then was.}{\insrsid13581962\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The doctrine of }{\b\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 Res Ipsa Loquitor}{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 therefore applies when the cause of what is complained of lies solely within the defendant\rquote s or defendant\rquote s servant }{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 or agent\rquote s }{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 knowledge, control and management. The doctrine does not create a legal irrebuttable presumption of negligence, but rath er a rebuttable one}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 . The }{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 plaintiff}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 is required to prove onl}{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 y the occurrence of the event complained of in the first ins}{\insrsid16592483\charrsid10124400 t}{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 ance, and then the defendant can show that the event could }{\insrsid16592483\charrsid10124400 reasonably}{ \insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 have occurred without negligence on the defendant\rquote s part or of those for whom defendant is responsible. Then the }{\insrsid16592483\charrsid10124400 plaintiff}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 in order to succeed, must prove negligence on the part of the defendant: See }{\b\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 M. N. SHUKLA: The Law of Tort, 14}{\b\super\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 th}{ \b\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 Edition, page 236. \par }{\insrsid6435193\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab In the case, the subject of this judgment, the defendant was, as distributor and supplier of electricity, in sole control and management of the equipment}{\insrsid16592483\charrsid10124400 and the whole system of the distributing and supplying electricity to the plaintiff. \par }{\insrsid3872849\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The evidence of both the plaintiff and his witnesses as well }{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 as }{\insrsid3872849\charrsid10124400 that of the defendant\rquote s witness}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid3872849\charrsid10124400 establish that the breaking out of the fire on the plaintiff\rquote s premises}{\insrsid4659550\charrsid10124400 in Ayul \'93B\'94 ward, Kitgum Town, could not have happened without negligence. \par \tab \tab On the facts of the case however, it cannot be correct to assert that there was no evidence or explanation as to how or why the fire broke out. According to evidence and explanation for the occurrence of the fire}{ \insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 , t}{\insrsid4659550\charrsid10124400 he transformer of the defendant was faulty, thus allowing a high voltage of electricity to go to the plaintiff\rquote s premise}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 s}{ \insrsid4659550\charrsid10124400 and in the process causing the fire. On the other hand, the defendant\rquote s evidence and explanation is that it is the faulty wiring in the inside of the plaintiff\rquote s premises that was the cause of the fire.

\par Therefore both plaintiff and defendant had evidence and explanation as to the cause of the fire and as such the last test of the applicability of the doctrine of }{\b\insrsid4659550\charrsid10124400 Res Ipsa Loquitor,}{\insrsid4659550\charrsid10124400 is not satisfied.}{\insrsid8154919\charrsid10124400 \tab \par }{\insrsid4553284\charrsid10124400 The doctrine therefore does not apply to the facts of this case. \par \tab \tab The plaintiff had, to prove his case on the ba sis of establishing negligence on the part of the defendant. Court has already held, while resolving the first issue, that plaintiff has, on a balance of probabilities, established negligence on the part of the defendant, for the happening of the fire.

\par \tab \tab The third issue is whether the plaintiff suffered any damages, and if so what is the quantum. \par \tab \tab Court is satisfied from the evidence of PW1, PW2, PW3, Pw4 and DW1 that the }{\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 plaintiff\rquote s}{\insrsid4553284\charrsid10124400 residential premises in Ayul \'93B\'94 ward, Kitgum Town, got burnt on 12}{ \insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 .}{\insrsid4553284\charrsid10124400 08.05. }{\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 There}{\insrsid4553284\charrsid10124400 was damage to the building}{\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 and personal moveable properties also got burnt and destroyed in the process.}{\insrsid4553284\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Where an article is destroyed by negligence , the owner of the article is entitled to recover from the one who negligently caused the dest ruction of the article, the market value of the article as at the time or immediately after the destruction}{\b\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 : }{\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 See}{\b\insrsid9840742\charrsid10124400 EAP & TC V DR. LODHIA: EACA CIVIL APPEAL No. 52 OF 1974. \par }{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab In his evidence, plaintiff testified that he recorded the items of the moveable items which were inside the house that got burnt and were destroyed in the proce}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ss}{ \insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 . He also ascertained their values, and where necessary, in consultation with the traders in Kitgum Town}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 who deal in those items. The list was admitted in evidence as exhibit P4. Photographs of the plaintiff}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 inside the burnt house}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{ \insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 with the destroyed items of the personal properties being displayed}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 ,}{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 were also tendered in court as exhibit P5( c) (e) (g) (J) and (k). DW1 did not deny that the plaintiff\rquote s}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 premises and }{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 moveables were destroyed by the fire. \par \tab \tab Court accepts the plaintiff\rquote s evidence that his moveable properties }{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 and premises }{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 as itemized in exhibit P4 were destroyed by the fire caused due to the negligence of the defendant. \par \tab \tab Plaintiff}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 is }{\insrsid3089131\charrsid10124400 thus entitled to the market value of the destroyed moveable properties, the market value being as at 12.08.05, the date the fire occurred or soon thereafter.

\par }{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab According to the plaintiff the values of the}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 moveable }{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 items destroyed were ascertained soon after the fire had happened. C ourt has examined the values}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 of the moveable articles}{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 put up in respect of each item in exhibit P4. }{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 Defendant}{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 did not adduce any evidence that any of the values is exaggerated or unreasonable. Be that as it may, court is conscious of the fa}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 c}{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 t that it is not possible to be exact in assessing the value of each item. Some allowance must be given for an over-assessing of an item here and there. Doing the best in the circumstances, and making allowance for any over assessment, court awards to plaintiff shs 7,509,000/= instead of the claimed shs. 8,509,000= as the value of the moveable properties destroyed by the fire on 12.08.05. \par \tab \tab Plaintiff claims shs 8,000,000/= as item number 59: }{\b\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 \'93 Burnt House\'94}{\insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 in exhibit P4. No valuation report, and no valuer testified t o court as to the cost of the damage to the plaintiff\rquote s house. There was no evidence as to the building items bought for purposes of repair}{\insrsid2913896\charrsid10124400 of the house, or whether or not any repairs}{ \insrsid11891075\charrsid10124400 had been carried out at all, and at what cost. \par }{\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab }{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 However, the evidence that damage was done to the plaintiff\rquote s house by the fire, is overwhelming:}{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 }{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4 all testify to this damage. DW1, both in his evidence to }{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 court}{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 and in his written report, exhibit D1, acknowledges damage having been done to plaintiff\rquote s house. The }{\insrsid5922058\charrsid10124400 photographs}{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 : Exhibit P5 }{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 (}{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 a}{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 )}{\insrsid5066996\charrsid10124400 , (b) (e) (f) (g) (h) and (i) show}{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 damage to the house by way of cracks in the walls, burnt electric wires and timber and smoke blackened part of a roof.}{\insrsid15365135\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab Since plaintiff has not }{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 adduced evidence to justify shs 8,000,000/- as being the value of the }{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 damage to the house}{ \insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 , }{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 this court, on the}{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 basis of the }{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 evidence availed to it, awards }{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 a }{ \insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 sum of shs. 4,000,000/= under this item. \par }{\insrsid2708669\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab As to general damages, the plaintiff and his family members, were put in }{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 in}{\insrsid2708669\charrsid10124400 convenience by having the house, which was home, and properties for every day use, destroyed by the fire, due to the negligence of the defendant. Though the matter of the fire and destruction of property was brought to the attention of the defendant immediately}{ \insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 it occurred, }{\insrsid2708669\charrsid10124400 nothing was done}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 by the defendant to come to the rescue of the plaintiff and his family. Court therefore awards to the plaintiff shs 2,000,000/= general damages in the premises.}{\insrsid12069353\charrsid10124400 \par }{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 \tab \tab The last issue, as to what remedies, are available to the }{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 plaintiff}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 , has been resolved while disposing of the third issue. \par \tab \tab In conclusion judgment is entered for the plaintiff against the defendant for:- \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3241656 { \insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 Shs 7,509,000/= the value of the }{\insrsid9186727\charrsid10124400 plaintiff\rquote s}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 moveable pro}{\insrsid9186727\charrsid10124400 p}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 e}{ \insrsid9186727\charrsid10124400 r}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 ties destroyed. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}Shs 4,000,000/= cost of the damage to }{\insrsid9186727\charrsid10124400 plaintiff\rquote s}{\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 house, \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}Shs 2,000,000/= general damages. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (d)\tab}The sums awarded above are to carry interest at 15% p.a. from 12.08.2005}{\insrsid660589\charrsid10124400 the date the fire occurred, }{ \insrsid3241656\charrsid10124400 in respect of the sums in (a) and (b) above; and from the date of Judgment in respect of the sum in (c) above, till payment in full. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7680834 {\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 The plaintiff is awarded the costs of this suit. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6508359 {\insrsid6508359\charrsid10124400 \par \par }{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 ................................ \par Remmy K. Kasule \par Judge \par 05}{\super\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 th}{\insrsid7680834\charrsid10124400 September, 2008 \par }{\insrsid14235522\charrsid10124400 \par }}