Mrs. Amina Ismail V Tom Ssejemba (Civil Appeal No. DR. MFP 2/1990) [1991] UGHC 9 (23 May 1991)

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f200\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f201\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f203\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f204\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f205\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f206\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f207\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f208\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{ \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid14039695 Normal (Web);}} {\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid328109\rsid399136\rsid401658\rsid672241\rsid1467414\rsid3880347\rsid5586137\rsid6323440\rsid7163052\rsid8211448\rsid8273417\rsid10561756\rsid10699467\rsid13006063\rsid13394293\rsid14039695 \rsid14581393\rsid15025097\rsid16473902\rsid16610458}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author DELL}{\operator DELL}{\creatim\yr2009\mo11\dy30\hr10\min30}{\revtim\yr2009\mo12\dy1\hr11\min44}{\version12}{\edmins246}{\nofpages8}{\nofwords2258} {\nofchars12877}{\nofcharsws15105}{\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot14039695\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}} {\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (} {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \line }{ \b\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \par IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT F0RT PORTAL \par CIVIL APPEAL NO. DR. MFP 2/1990 \par (Original Kasese Court C. S. No. MFP 5/90) \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 MRS. AMINA ISMAIL:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\b\insrsid1467414 ::::::::::::}{\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ::APPELLANT \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 VERSUS \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 TOM SSEJEMBA:::::::::::::::::::}{\b\insrsid1467414 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\b\insrsid1467414\charrsid1467414 :}{\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ::RESPONDENT \par BEFORE: }{\b\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE I. MUKANZA }{\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\b\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 RULING \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The appellant Mrs. Amina Ismail was the plaintiff in Kasese Civil Suit }{ \insrsid401658\charrsid1467414 No. M}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 FP }{\insrsid401658\charrsid1467414 5 O}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 F 1990. The suit was filed in the court of Magistrate Grade I and she was suing the respondent/Defendant for a }{\insrsid401658\charrsid1467414 liquidate sum of Shs, 213,400}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 /}{\insrsid401658\charrsid1467414 =}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 which arose as a result of 58 bags of Maize supplied to the respondents for grinding in the latter}{\insrsid401658\charrsid1467414 \rquote }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 s maize mill and the value of the gunny bags. When the appeal }{ \insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 was}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 called for hearing the learned counsel representing the}{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 respondent raised some preliminary objections to the appeal. H}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 e submitted that he had two preliminary points of law to make. The first was t}{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 hat the memorandum of appeal was}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 not accompanied by decree as required by law. That it }{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 was a requirement under S.}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 232}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of the Magistrates Cour}{ \insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 ts Act where it is laid down tha}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 t an }{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 appeal}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 shall lie on original decrees from the Chief Magistrate or }{ \insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Grade I courts. That a decree was a formal adjudication }{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 of a judgm}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ent}{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 as pronounced by a judg}{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 e or Magistrate and the content}{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 of a decree are contained in Order 18 R}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ule 6 }{ \insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 of the Civil P}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 roc}{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 edure R}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ules. That his quarrel with the decree which accompanied t}{\insrsid7163052\charrsid1467414 he} {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 memorandum was signed by a Magistrate }{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 who did not hear the case. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 That ma}{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 de the decree defective. Under O}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 rder }{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 18 R}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ule 7 (3) the decree has to be extracted by }{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 the}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 judge or Magistrate who heard the case. That the trial }{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Mr. Tugume is dead. The decree was filed after the appeal had been filed because the late Tugume was alive. }{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 He died about September 1990 and if the appeal was fil}{\ul\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 ed in May1990 when he was still}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 :}{\ul\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 }{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 alive the decree }{\ul\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 should h}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ave been put before }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 him for signing in order to accompany the mem orandum of appeal. The current grade I }{\insrsid8273417\charrsid1467414 Magistrate Kasese should not}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 be the proper Magistrate to sign the decree. The decree should have had the names of Tugume who decided the case and the }{\insrsid328109\charrsid1467414 successor}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 could have signed for him. But}{ \i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 for the successor Ntejje to sign the decree that was wrong. He submitted that there was no proper decree accompanying the memorandum. He prayed that the appeal was incompetent and should be struck out with co}{\insrsid328109\charrsid1467414 sts. \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 On his second preliminary point of law, he submitted that his objection related to the jurisdiction of the court before which the case was placed. As}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 regards the proceedings the plaint was drawn on }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 13th February, 1990 and there was a claim for specific amount of Shillings 213,400/}{\ul\insrsid328109\charrsid1467414 =}{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 . }{\insrsid328109\charrsid1467414 W}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 hen the case was filed the court (Magistrate Grade I Court) had no pecuniary jurisdiction to hear a case involving that amount. That the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Grade I Magistrate until Act 4 of 1985 after the revision of the currency was Shs. 10,000/=. Under Ac t 4 of 1985 the jurisdiction of Magistrate Grade I was one million shillings. That situation was obtained when the Government changed by striking off the 2 notes. So the jurisdiction of Magistrate Grade I came to 10,000/}{\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 =}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 . Therefore when Amina filed her case on 13/2/90 she was filing a case of 213,400/}{\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 = in a wrong court. If she had w}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 aited until September she could}{ \insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 have been redeemed because on 17/9/90 a s}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 tatute conferring new juris}{\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 diction was passed conferring upon the g}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 rade I Magistrates matters not exceeding 5 million shillings commencing on }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 20/9/90. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 That he had the opportunity to peruse }{\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 a copy}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of the judgment of justice Karokora. The case is cited as Sarah }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Kivumbi }{\ul\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 .}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 vs}{ \ul\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 . }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 B}{\ul\insrsid15025097\charrsid1467414 etty }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 S}{\ul\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 .}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Matovu}{ \ul\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 HCC}{\ul\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 S }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 No.}{\ul\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 2}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of 1989 }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 decided on 26/2/90 about the same time the appellant filed her case. In that case the court held that the effect of the }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 currently}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 reform decree was to reduce the jurisdiction of the }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Court by }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 striking}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 off the two notes. The trial Magistrate was }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 therefore}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 wasting his time because he did not have the jurisdiction and it would be wasting courts time to enter arguments of this appeal, I was referred to statute 6 }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 of 1990. \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The learned counsel representing}{\insrsid1467414 the respondent submitted that }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 he }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 opposed the preliminary objections with regard to the issue}{ \insrsid1467414 of the }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 decree under O}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 rder 18 }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 r}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 7 (3) of the CPR a decree shall be drawn and signed by the Judge who pronounced }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 it or by his successor.}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 A close look at the decree as ex}{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 tracted reveals the following. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6323440 {\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \'93This suit coming before }{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 Tugume Esq. }{ \i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 It did not hide the fact that the suit was before T}{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 ugume Senior Magistrate Grade I.}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 It is only when it comes to the signing that the names of his su}{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 ccessor, comes into play. Tugum}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 e could or would not sign the decree so the }{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 successor}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 did and the }{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 decree was properly extracted. }{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 It would be therefore redundant to say that the d}{\i\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 ecree was not properly drawn.\'94 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 On the issue of }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction Mr. M}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ugamba submitted the victim \line in Sarah Kivumbi\rquote s case was an attempt to Interprets the law which this court could overturn or could distinguish. That the Act quoted by his learned friend did not amend the law. It amended section 219 of }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 the Magistrates courts Act 1970.}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 But last time section 219 had been amended by ct 4 of 1985. That it takes time an act to amend an act so that from 1985 when }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 the}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 pecuniary }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 of}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 courts was last obtained it was not until the Amendment Statute of 1990 wa}{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 s promulgated}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 (Act of 1990)}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 and }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 wh}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 en the pecuniary }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 was quoted that indicated his point that Sarah Kivumbi\rquote s case was an interpretation of the law. It was not good law because if it was, the amendment would have made}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 reference to the law concerning the currency reform law but only makes reference to section 219 as left by Act 4 of }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 1985}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 .}{ \i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The learned counsel then went on to argue that what }{\insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 happened}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 in May, 1987 especially }{ \insrsid6323440\charrsid1467414 regarding the statement by the A}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 g. Chief Registrar was inordinate and irreg}{\insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 ular}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 means of amending the act the circular could not under any imagination have amended the law. Equally the }{\insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 Legislation}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 in currency reform could not under le}{ \insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 g}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 al constructio}{\insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 n, in any way have altered the Mag}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 istrates court Act 1970 without specifical}{ \insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 ly or expressly referring to it.}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 He therefore submitted that till 28th September 1990 the position re}{\ul\insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 ga}{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 rding pecuniary juris}{\ul\insrsid3880347\charrsid1467414 diction remained as obtained by }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Act 4}{\i\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of 1985 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The appeal was properly lodged before the court and the case was heard initially by the court with proper jurisdiction. But in case he was wrong he invoked the decision}{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 in Nasanga & Nanyonga\rquote s case. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (The counsel }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 never gave the citation of the a}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 bove case). He prayed however that the prelim}{ \insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 inary objections be overruled, \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 In reply}{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 Mr. Kaga}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ba learned counsel appearing for the respondent submitted that the law laid down in the judgment of Kivumbi\rquote s case was }{ \insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 clear}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 and final. His learned friend did not advance any reason to distinguish this case from the one decided by Justice Karokora}{\insrsid1467414 on the issue of Jurisdiction. }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 And lastly that Nasanga\rquote s case or }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 sections 101 & 103 of the CPA }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 could not be invoked. They are inapplicable because they intend to invoke equity. The case was filed in a court that had no jurisdiction and he maintained his earlier prayer that the appeal be dismissed as being }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 incompetent}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 . }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Beginning with the preliminary }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 point of law, that the memorandum of app}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 eal was not accompanied by the decree }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 and that the decree that }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 as later on extracted was not signed by the trial Magistrate but by his successor Mr. Ntegye. I think t}{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 his is}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{ \insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 a }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 right moment to restate the law in }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 connection with this matter. Und}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 er section 232 }{ \insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 (1) a of the Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 courts Act 1970 }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 an appeal}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 lies to this court from the decrees or any part of decrees and }{ \insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 from the orders of a Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 s court presided over by a Chief Magistrate or a Magistrate Grade I in the exercise of it}{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 s original Civil jurisdiction.

\par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 There is also ample authority for saying that this court has no jurisdiction to entertain an appeal where a decree embodying the terms and judgment has not been drawn up. }{\ul\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 See Alexander Marrison vs Ms V}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ersi and another 1953 20 EACA 26, Mukasa vs Ocholi }{\ul\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 [}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 1968}{\ul\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 ] EA P. 89. }{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 In Kiwege and Nuda}{\ul\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 Sisal Estate ltd vs Manathw}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ani 1952 EACA P. 160. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 It was laid down that without a decree the appeal }{\insrsid10699467\charrsid1467414 was incompetent and premature. \par And under Order 1}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 8 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure rules, }{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 the}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 decree shall agree with the judgment. It shall contain the number of the suits the names and descriptions of the parties and particulars of the claim and shall specify clearly the relief granted or ot}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 her determination of the suit. \par W}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 hereas rule 7 (3)}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 of the same order states:- \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \'93In a Magistrates court or subordinate cou}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 rt the decree }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 shall be drawn up and signed by the judge who pronounced it or his successor.\'94 }{ \insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Applying the above principle to the present case there is as of now before this court a }{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 d}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ecree embodying the terms of the judgment of the M}{ \insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 ag}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 istrate Grade I. It is dated 17th May, 1990. It contains the number of the suit the names and description of the parties and the }{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 particulars}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of the claim and it clearly spells out the relief gra}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 nted as stipulated under Order 1}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 8 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure rules. The learned counsel appearing for the respondent submitted the decree was defective because it was not signed by Mr}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 . Tugume who pronounced}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 the }{ \insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 judgment}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Tug}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 u}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 me we are tol}{\insrsid8211448\charrsid1467414 d passed away in September 1990.}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The counsel argued that the decree could have been }{\insrsid10561756\charrsid1467414 brought before him for signature or M}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 r. Ntegye the }{\insrsid10561756\charrsid1467414 succeeding Magi}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 strate should have signed the decree for Tugume Senior Magistrate Grade I. Order i8 rule 7 }{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (3) }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 as }{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 s}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 t}{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 ated }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 above the decree in a }{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 Magistrates}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 court or subordinate court shall be drawn up and signed by the judge who pronounced or his successor The term judge as referred to in the order embraces Magistrates since no judge ever presides over a Mag}{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 istrates or subordinate court. \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 In the premises I am of the view that Mr. Ntegye a}{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 s}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 the successor}{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 to the late Mr. Tugume Senior M}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 agistrate Grade I had the }{\insrsid672241\charrsid1467414 requi}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 site jurisdiction}{\b\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 to sign the decree.}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 It being immaterial that when he signed the decree Tugume had not passed away. I find so because Mr. Ka}{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 g}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 aba did not allege that the dates shown on the decree were not genuine. The appeal was filed here on 13th June 1990 and the decree was dated 17th May, 1990 and y}{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 e}{\insrsid1467414 t the }{ \insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 judgm}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ent was delivered on this same date as was the decree. It is a \line consid}{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 ered opinion of this court that th}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 e appeal is properly before this court \line in that there is a memorandum of appeal accompanied by an extracted decree signed by Mr. Ntegye the successor to the}{\insrsid1467414 late Tugume Senior Magistrate }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Grade I and even if I might be wrong in my finding rules of Civil Procedure }{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 are a guide}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 to the orderly disposal of suits and should never be used to deny a pa}{ \insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 rty who is entitled to a remedy see}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Nasanga\rquote s case. }{\insrsid13394293\charrsid1467414 \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Turning to the second preliminary objection that the Magistrate }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Grade}{\i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 I court had no pecuniary jurisdiction to t} {\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 ry this case whose value Shs. 21}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 3,400/= Act 4 of 1985 (The Magistrates Courts Amendment }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 A}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ct 1985 amended S.219 of the Magistrates Court Act 1970 by increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Ma}{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 gistrates Courts as follows:- \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi75\li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5586137 {\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 \'93}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Un}{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 d }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 er section 219 (1)(a)A Chief Magistrates pecuniar}{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 y}{\insrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction was increased fro}{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 m ten thousand shillings to 2 million Shillings \par }\pard \s15\qj \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5586137 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (b) The Grade I Magistrate pecuniary jurisdiction was increased from 5000/}{ \insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 =}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 shillings to }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 one million Shillings. \par (c) The M}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 agistrate Grade II fr}{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 om one thousand shillings to 500,000/= shillings \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (d) whereas the }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 p}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ecuniary }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction of the Magistrate Grade III}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 was raised from 500/= }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 Shillings}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 to 250,000/= (two hundred and fifty thousand shillings. }{\insrsid16473902\charrsid1467414 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Act 4 of 1985 came into operation with effect from }{ \ul\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 14}{\ul\super\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 th}{\ul\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 J}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 une, 1985. }{\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 There was yet another Act A}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 mending }{\insrsid1467414 section 219 of the Magistrates }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Court Act 1970 (referred to as the principal Act) }{\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 that}{\insrsid1467414 was the }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Magistrates Court (}{\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 Amendment}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ) Statute 1990 Statute 6 of 1990. The said }{\insrsid13006063\charrsid1467414 A}{\insrsid1467414 ct }{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 increased the pecuniary jurisdiction of a Chief Magistrate and Grade I \line Magist}{\insrsid16610458\charrsid1467414 rate by replacing section 219 (1}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ) }{\insrsid16610458\charrsid1467414 (}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 a}{\insrsid16610458\charrsid1467414 )}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 and}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (b}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 ) as follows:- \par }\pard \s15\qj \li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5586137 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (a) A Chief }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 shall have jurisdiction where the value of the subject matter does not exceed Shs.5,000,000/}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 = }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 and shall have unlimited jurisdiction in dispute relating to conversion }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 damage to property or trespass \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi-1440\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5586137 {\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Whereas}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{ \insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 \tab }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 (b) Magistrate Grade I shall have }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 where the value of the subject matter does not exceed 2,000,000/= (2 million Shilli}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 ngs Act 6 of 1990 cam}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 e into operation with effect from }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 28th September 1990 }{ \insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 From the above provision of the law it is pertinent to note that when \line the appellant filed in his plaint before the Magistrate Grade I Court Kasese on 13th June 1990 the matter \lquote has g}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 overned by Act 4 of 1985 in tha}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 t the Magistrate Grade I had pecuniary jurisdiction to handle a case not exceeding the value of one million }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Shillings. \par Unde}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 r the currency }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Reform}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Statute 2/87 there was a fundamental alteration in }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 our}{ \i\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 currency in this country from what we had,}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 therefore all legislation prior to this Statute where money was involved two zeros }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 had}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 to be knocked off. There was }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 controversy}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 over this }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 matter}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 in as much as the judiciary was concerned }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 whether as}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 explained above the pecuniary jurisdiction of the various cadres of Magistrate could be struck off by two }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 zeroes}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 . This matter was dealt with exhaustively by Karokora J., in }{ \ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Sarah Kivumbi vs Betty Matovu in the }{\ul\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 High}{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 Court Civil Appeal MM 2 of 1989. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 In that case it was held that a Chief }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 had no jurisdiction to entertain a case whose value exceeded 50,000/= (that is after }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 knocking}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 off }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 the}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 2 zeros from his pecuniary jurisdiction of Shs. 5,000,000/=. \line }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Similarly}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 a }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 Magistrate}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 grade I could not entertain a suit whose subject matter exceeded Sh}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 s. 10}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ,000/= (That is after}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 knocki}{\insrsid1467414 ng off two }{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 zeroes from 1,000,000}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 /}{\insrsid5586137\charrsid1467414 =}{ \insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 . \par }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 In Kikaba k Kidyedye vs Gedion Kibanda }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 High Court Civil Appeal No.}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 9/88 original Iganga }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 Civil, Suit No. 19/88}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 reported KALR 1989 Page 10}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 4 there the Magistrate Grade I Iganga entertained a claim for Shs, 73,000/=, It was held }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 that} {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 the Magistrate Grade I was not empowered to en}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 tertain a claim which exceeded 10,000}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 /}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 =. \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 The facts in the above two case are similar to the instant case }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 and}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 the proposition of the law expounded these in are in my opinio n good law and are authorities to the instant case and I would follow them. I entirely agr}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 ee with the learned counsel app}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 earing for the respondent that the late Tugume Senior Magistrate Grade I had no jurisdic}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 tion to entertain a claim of Shs. 213,400}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 /= Shillings because the pecuniary }{ \insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 jurisdiction}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 of Magistrate Gra}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 de I did not exceed Shillings 10}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ,000/=. In the premises the t}{ \insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 rial before him was a nullity. \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 As stated earlier on the decree as extracted from the judgment was held not to be defective but in the lig}{\insrsid1467414 ht of what has just transpired }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 above it was a decree that was extracted from a court that had no jurisdiction. Everything done prior and}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 after the decree had been drawn}{\insrsid1467414 was a nullity. }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 I would in th e premises upho}{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 ld with costs the preliminary objections to the ap1eal. In that the trial at the Magistrate Grade I court Kasese was a nullity. The case therefore }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 ought to}{ \insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 be filed before a court}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 with competent jurisdiction to handle the same and so I order. \par }\pard \s15\qj \li6480\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin6480\itap0\pararsid399136 {\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 \par I. }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 MUKANZA}{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 \par }{\ul\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 J U D GE }{\insrsid399136\charrsid1467414 \par }{\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 23/5/91 \line \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14039695 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14039695\charrsid1467414 \par }}