Lawrence Okae v Uganda Post & Telecommunication (Civil Suit No.214 Of 1996) (Civil Suit No.214 of 1996) [2000] UGHC 31 (14 August 2000)

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.}}{\*\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\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid883574 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14246900\charrsid15162777 THE REPUBLIC OF}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 UGANDA}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line IN THE HIGH }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 COURT}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 OF }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 UGANDA, AT KAMPALA}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 CIVIL SUIT NO. 214 OF 1996 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line LAWRANCE OKAE }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11076615\charrsid15162777 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85..}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 PLAINTIFF}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 Vs }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 \par \line UGANDA POSTS AND TELECOMMUNI}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 CATIONS}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16002429 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 CORPORATION }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 \'85\'85\'85 ..}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 DEFENDANT \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 BEFORE: THE HON. MR. JUSTICE V. }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 F. MUS} {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 OKE-KIBUUKA}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid15162777 \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16002429 JUDGEMENT }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The plaintiff was employed by the def}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 endant, in this }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 judgment referred to as \'93the corporation.\'94 He was employed }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid5988389 as}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 an executive officer, in}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 he accounts department of the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 corporation. He started }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 working}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 for the corporation on 16th October, 1978, as a }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 clerical}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 officer. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 On 2}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 8}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 September, 1995, the plain}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 tiff}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 was interdicted from duty upon some suspicion that he was invol}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 ved in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 malpractices}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 in connection with tele}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 communication services. He was,}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 subsequently}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 , on. 20}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid15162777 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 October, 1995, retired, in public interest, on the ground that he w}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 as a person of doubted }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777\charrsid16341523 integrity}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 \par Upon his retirement, in public interest}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 , }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 the plaint}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 iff }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 was paid his retirement bene}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15162777 fits as ere due on the date of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 retirement. However, he was not }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574\charrsid883574 satisfied that the}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 he decisions \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid883574 to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 interdict him and., }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574\charrsid16341523 subsequent}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 ly, to ret}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ire him in public}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid883574 interest}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 had been lawful. H}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 e contends that th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 decision }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid883574 to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 retire him fr}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 om the service o}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 f the corporation was taken in contravention of the corpor}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 a }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ion}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 \rquote s own Staff Regulations, Terms }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574\charrsid16341523 and}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Con}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574 ditions of Service. The plainti}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ff further claims that the decision to retire him in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid883574\charrsid16341523 public}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 interest, was made in utter breach of th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 e fundamental rule of natural justice (audi alteram}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Partem) in that before his fate was determined, he was never given an opportunity}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 t}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 o be heard. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The plaintiff also claims that the ground of doubted }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308\charrsid16341523 integrity}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 upon which he was }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 retired, purportedly in public }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308\charrsid16341523 interest}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 , was never properly established. He claims that That ground was merely imputed upon him by a fellow employee of the corporation (DW2) who was assigned by the head of the Investigation Bureau of the corporation to investigate the allegation against the pl aintiff, hut whom the plaintiff claims to h}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 ave had some social differences}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 .}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 In his amended plaint, the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 plainti}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ff seeks, from this honourable court, the following orders: \line a) a declaration that his involunt}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 ary retirement from }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 the}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 corporation\rquote s employment is unlawful.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7698147 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 b) salary, allowances and te}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 rminal benefits, from the date }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 of the purported dismiss}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 al, 21}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid12720159\charrsid12720159 st}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 October, 1995, to the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 date which would have}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 been the plaintiff\rquote s normal \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 re}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 tire}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7698147 ment date, 15th October, 2003. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 c) punitive/exemplary and general damages; and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7698147 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 d) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 interest and costs of the suit. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 It is contended, by learned counsel. Mr. Nyanzi Yasin, on behalf of the corporation, that the plaintiff\rquote s interdiction on 20th September, 1995, and his subsequ}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 ent }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 retirement, in public interest, on 20th October, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid5382308 1995, }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 were lawful and were carried }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 out in strict accordance with the la}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 w and the Staff Regulations, Terms and Conditions of Service, of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308\charrsid16341523 corporation}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . The corporation prayed that this suit be d}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 ismissed with costs to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 it.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line At the beginning of the trial, three issues were agreed upon by the two learned counsel involved in the}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 case. They are: \line a) W} {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 hether the plai}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5382308 ntiff\rquote s interdiction was lawful.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 b) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159\charrsid16341523 Whether}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 the plaintiff\rquote s retirement in public inter}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 est was lawful. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 c) W}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 hether the plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs which he seeks.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The plaintiff was the sole witness on his side. The corporation called four witnesses, namely, DW1 Gwanyambadde Dick, an investigation officer with the corporation\rquote s investigation branch. DW2 was Ok}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 iya Charles Michael, the Chief }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Investigation Officer of the corporation. DW3 was Kategaya Samson, a Senior Personnel Officer, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 and DW4 was Asiimwe Vincent, EU}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 in the Personnel a}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 nd Administration department of the corporation.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Now, the first issue in respect of which I have to analyse the evidence is whether the plaintiff\rquote s interdi}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 ction was lawful. \par It appears to}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 me that the subject at interdictio}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 n of any member of staff of the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 corporation is governed by regulation 23.12.1 of the Staff Regulations, Terms And Conditions of Service. That regulation sets out three instances when interdiction is appropriate: \par a) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400\charrsid16341523 When}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 an officer is charged by the}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 police with an offence which , if prov}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 d}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 , would lead to his or her dismissal;}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 b) whe}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 n suspension of an officer f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 rom duty has been lifted a}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 fter an acquittal of the office by a court and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 disciplinary proceedings which would lead to the \line officer\rquote s dismissal are being taken or are about to be taken; and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 c) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400\charrsid16341523 When}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 proceedings involving departme ntal charges before the disciplinary committe}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 e have been taken or are about }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 to be taken leading to the officer\rquote s dismissal. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The interdicting authority is set out in appendix C to the Staff Regulations (under delegation by the Board vide paragraph 23.12. of the same Staff Regulatio}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13196981 ns.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9651400 ) in the instant case, the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 interdicting authority should have been the Director of Personnel. \line It clearly appears to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13196981\charrsid16341523 me}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 that the plaintiff \rquote s int}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13196981 erdiction }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 did not fall, under any of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13196981 three instances set out under regulation }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 1 which I have outlined }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 above. The letter \line of interdictio}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 n, Exhibit P1}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 , only mentioned that the plaintiff }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 was }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 suspected of involvement in malpra}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 ctices}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 in }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16667143 connection with telecommunications}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 services. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 No departmental charges were }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 mentioned or ever presented. No proceedings were ever commence}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 d}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 before any disciplinary body. The letter never mentioned any. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 It is, therefore, quite apparent}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 that: the interdiction was done pre-maturely and outside the provisions of the Staff }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 Regulation}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 . \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 The }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 next issue is whether the plaintiff\rquote s ret}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 irement in public interest was l}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 awful. \par Mr. Nyanzi did submit that it was. He argued that the plaintiff was retired}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 in public interest after full }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 investigations had been carried out. Secondly, he argued that the plaintiff had failed to a ct in an honest manner and had caused financial loss to his employer as a result retirement in public interest or summary dismissal was justified at common law. Mr. Nyanzi relied upon the decisions in }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Obonyo }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Chillington Tool Co. Ltd. (1988) HCB }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 and }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Mary Mugenyi }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 CMB, }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 C. App. No. 13 of 193. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 In regard }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 of the common law principle of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 the employer employee relationship whereby an employer has an inalienable right to dispense with the services of an employee, he relied upon }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 S. B. Kibirige }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Uganda Commercial Bank (1992) II KALR 162 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 and }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid12720159 John Elatu }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid12720159 vs}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 .}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Uganda Airlines Corporation (1984) HCB 40. }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 I}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 have had an opportunity to peruse those decisions. I do not think that they bear any r}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 elevance to the instant case. \par F}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 irst of all, in the instant case, it is not true that it was ever established that t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143 he plaintiff had failed to act }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 in an open honesty. The report, Exhibit D2, which arose out of what appears to have been a very rudimentary investigation which was carried out by a Mr. Gwayabadde DW1, was very }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16667143\charrsid16341523 specific}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . It stated that there was no conclusive evidence to show that the plain}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 tiff had been involved in the al}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 leged }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 malpractices}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . However, the same report for some rather }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 incomprehensible}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 reasons went on to recommend that because the plaintiff was working}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 in}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 the same section where the suspected telephone numbers\rquote bills ought to have been }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 handled}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 , but were not he could

\par have influenced that act even thought he himself was only }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 responsible}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 for government, public corporations and Embassy telephone bills. The report specifically stated that there was nothing more than mere suspicion against the plaintiff. That was never the case in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 Obon}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 yo\rquote }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 s and }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Mary Mugenyi\rquote s cases }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 (supra) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 In the instant case, no specific loss to the corporation was ever established. The investig ation report, Exhibit D2 shows that the plaintiff was suspected to be the person helping to shield telephone numbers: 259178, 259517 and 259246, from being cut off for non-payment }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 of}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 bills}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . The persons under whose names the respective numbers were }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 registered}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 were also found out. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182\charrsid16341523 Telephone}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 number 259246 and 2595}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 17 had outstanding bills of 23,931,03/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = and 201,083}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 /}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = respectively. Telephone number 259178 had no known outstanding bill. It was not established that those bills could not be or were not, paid by the operators of those numbers. There was, in other words, no loss to the corporation ever established. But ev en if any loss had been established, there would be no credible link between it and the plaintiff according to the evidence in the instant case. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Now that was not: the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10752182 p}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 osition in both }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 S. B. Kibirige}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656\charrsid16341523 vs.}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 U}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ganda Commercial Bank }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 (supra) or in John }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 Eletu}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Uganda Airlines corporation }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 (supra) In Kibtri9e \rquote s case, (supra) it ways clearly established that owing to his neglect of his duty, the bank}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 suffered loss of well over }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 7,000,000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 /=}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = and that dismissal without notice in t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 he circumstances was justified u}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 n}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 der}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 common law. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 But it was pointed out by this court in the case of }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 John Ele}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 tu }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Uganda Airlines }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656\charrsid16341523 Corporation}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 (sup}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ra) that while a summar}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 y}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 dismissal was dismissal without notice, to justify such dismissal, at common law, the breach of duty, by an employee, must be a very serious one. It must be such}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656 a breach as amounting in effect}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 to repudiation by the employee of his or her obligations under the contract of employment such as disobedience of lawful orders, misconduct, drunkenness, immorality, }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4024656\charrsid16341523 assaulting}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 fellow workers, incompetence or neglect. In the instant case, it cannot be said that such justifiable cause }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753 has been establish for mere susp}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 icion cannot amount to such cause. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line More importantly, it was pointed out by Sekandi, Ag. J., as he then was, in the case of }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 A. M. Jabi }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753\charrsid16341523 vs.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Mbale Municipal Council (1975) HCB }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 191, that the inalienable right of an employer to dismiss his employee was not absolute on the contrary, it was subject to certain limitations e.g. once a contract existed between the employer and the em ployee, it was the duty of each party to observe its provisions. The common law right of an employer is thus not absolute as the defendant claims in this ca}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753 se. \line The Staff Regulations, the}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753\charrsid16341523 mselves}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 state, in their preamble, that they cover \'93}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid4341594 general }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid2821753 conditions }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753\charrsid2821753 of}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid2821753 service as}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 employment practices, rules and }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid4341594 discipline}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid4341594 ,}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 industrial relations, hav}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753 ing medical and other fundamental duties ri}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ghts and obligations of both management and staff.\'94 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 In other words they form part of the contract of every officer of the corporation and as such they limit the corporation\rquote s right at common law to summarily dismiss the plaintiff lawfully. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2821753 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The relevant regulation for}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 termination of service in public}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 interest in respect of permanent employees of the corporation, is regulation 23.4.6:2 of the Staff Regulations of the corporation. The only ground which is provided under that: \line regulation, is \'93general }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 inefficacy}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 which cannot clearly be attributed to neglig ence or failing mental or bodily health.\'94 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 According to DW1 and DW2 Okia, the head of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 investigation}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 branch and Dw3, Kategaya Johnson, a Senior Personnel Officer of the corporation, the plaintiff was retired upon suspicion of doubted integrity. Now)doub ted integrity does not appear to fit in well with sustained gal }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 inefficiency which cannot clearly be attributed to1ig}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 ence or failing mental or bodily}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 health.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 My only logical conclusion there, is that the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 plaintiff\rquote s}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 purported retirement in public interest fell outside the corporation\rquote s own Staff Regulations and Conditions of Service which formed part of the plaintiff\rquote s contract of service with the corporation. \line The failure, on the part of the corporation, to accord the plaintiff an opportunity to be heard e ven when he specifically wrote to management to accord him that opportunity constituted a fundamental breach of the rule of natural justice (audi alteram pertem) Indeed, the plaintiff was t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 otally condemned unheard. See. }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid4341594 George }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid4341594 Semboze }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid4341594 vs}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 .}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Uganda Red Cross Society, Mbarara 11/C Civil }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid4341594 Suit No. 49of}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 1997. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \par In the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 circumstances}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 , therefore, I have to find that the plaintiff s }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 retirement}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 in publi}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 c }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid4341594 interest}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 w}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 as unlawful. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The next issue is whether the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 plaintiff}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 is entitled to the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 relief\rquote s}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 which he sought in his }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 pleadings}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 . The plaintiff properly merits the declaration that both his interdiction arid subsequent retirement in public }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 interest}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 were wrongful }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 and}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 unlawful. I make that declaration.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 \par The second relief sought by }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 plaintiff relates to his salary and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 allowances}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 which lie claims would have been paid to him u}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 pto the date of what he calls retire}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 ment. It is not in dispute that the plaintiff was paid all that was due up to the day he was so wrongfully arid unlawfully retired. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 Mr. Nyanzi has argued and I duly a}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 gree with him, that the plaintiff has not proved strictly as the law requires the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 special}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 damages which he claims in the form of prospective salary a}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 nd allowances between October, 1995}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 and October, 2003, when he claims he would have ordinarily retired. For there is no guarantee that he would have held the job up to then. It appears to me that such a claim remains highly speculative. I am of the view that the claim in that }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 regar}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594\charrsid16341523 d}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 is misconceived. Th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 e plaintiff\rquote s proper remedy tort }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 he wrong done to him by the corporation lies in general damages rather than in recovery of unearned salary and allowances or other prospective benefits.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 For that reason, the claim for special damages f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 ails. They have not been strictl}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 y proved.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4341594 \par Third the plantiff seeks general damages. Iam satisfied that he must get }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1930284 these. He was summarily retired in public interest without being given a chance to defend himself. Article 28 of the constitution requires that a person whose civil rights are being determined must a ccorded a fair hearing. That was not done in the instant case. A photograph of the plantiff was published in the New Vision Newspaper issue of 25}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid1930284\charrsid1930284 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1930284 November,1995 at page 25, portraying him to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16002429 the public as a risky person to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1930284 employ. He has spent a long time without a job. He was rejected several times because }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13127099 several times because his untimely retirement and uncalled for publication of that fact in the newspaper raised a great deal of public suspicion. He was embarrassed and deeply humiliated. The unnecessary abruptness of the plaintiff\rquote s retirement caused him embarrassment and deeply humiliated. The unnecessary abruptness of the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3038186 plaintiff\rquote s}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13127099 retirement caused him embarrassment and inconvenience.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3038186 In the case of }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3038186\charrsid3038186 Matia Wamala vs Uganda Press Trust Ltd (1982) HCB 114}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3038186 , Allen J,}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2560946 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3038186 as he then was, awarded a sum of shs.50,000/= as general damages, to the plantiff whose monthly salary was shs.4000/=. The learned judge applied a multiplier of twelve and }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 half times.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Again in the case of }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 George Semboz vs. Uganda Red Cross Society }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 (supra) this court awarded general dama}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 ges in the sum o! Shs.6, 000,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 to the plaintiff in that case whose total m}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 onthly package was Shs.700, 000.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The multiplier used as over nine times.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 In the instant case, the plaintiff\rquote s monthly package, which was not disputed, \lquote as constituted by mainly four major items. That: is salary, house rent, lunch allowance and transport allowa}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 nce (notwithstanding the fact t}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 hat this was fo}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 r the time being in kind) The total }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 monthly s}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 alary would therefore be rough) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Shs.140,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8347306 /=}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 14,000= + 87,500= + 87,500= }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 329,000}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14432076 /}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16014791 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 I have considered the circumstances and the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 special}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 peculiarities of this case. I have decided to use a multiplier of twenty times that package. The quantum of general damages will, therefore, be Shs.329,000 x 20 = 6,580,000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 /}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 =. I accordingly award Shs. 6,580,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 /}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = to the plaintiff as general damages. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 The plaintiff }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 a}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 lso prayed for punitive or exemplary damages. I am. satisfied that owing to the rather high handed manner in which the plaintiff was treated and the unlawful and \line unconstitutional approach adopted by the corporation call for exemplary or punitive damages to be awarded. I have considered a sum of Shs.2}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904\charrsid16341523 , 000,000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 /}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = to be adequate in that }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 regard. I accordingly award }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 2,000,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 /}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 = to the p}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 laintiff as exemplary damages. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 I also award the costs of this suit to the plaintiff. \line In the final result, I make the following order: \line a) a declaration that the plaintiff\rquote s interdiction and retirement i.n public interest: was unlawful; \line b)}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 an order for the corporation t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 o pay th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 e plaintiff: \line (i) Shs.6,580,000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 gener}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14820904 al damages; \line (ii) Shs.2,000,000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 punitive damages; \line (iii) the costs of this suit; and \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid12720159 (iv)}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 interest on (}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 a) and (b) above from the date of }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7698147 Judgement}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 un}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159 til payment in full at court\rquote s }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 rate. \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16002429 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12720159\charrsid16002429 V. F. Kibuu}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16002429 ka \line Judge \line 14/08/2000 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16002429\charrsid16002429 \par }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 Order: }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line This }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7698147\charrsid16341523 judgment}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 may be delivered by the R}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16002429 egistrar of the High Court on a }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 d}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16002429 ay fixed by him.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16341523 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13454158\charrsid16002429 V. F. \line Judge \line 14/08/2000 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid883574 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14830933\charrsid16002429 \par }}