Nicholas Roussos v Gulam Hussein Habib Virani, Nasmudin Habib Virani (Civil Appeal 6 of 1995; Civil Appeal 6 of 1995) [1996] UGSC 4 (3 March 1996)

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\fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par IN THE SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA \par AT MENGO \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid13042566 (COR: MANYINDO D. C. J., ODOKI, J. S. C., & ODER, J. S. C.) }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid13042566 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590 CIVIL APPEAL 6/95}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14118590 \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid14974057 NICHOLAS ROUSSOS\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 APPELLANT}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid14974057 \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid13042566 \emdash }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid13042566 VERSUS}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid13042566 \emdash }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid13042566 \par }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 \line }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 GULAMHUSSEIN HABIB VIRANI }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid14974057 \'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 1ST RESPONDENT \line NASMUDIN HABIB}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 VIRANI}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14118590\charrsid14974057 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85.}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14974057 2ND RESPONDENT \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Appeal from a Ruling and Order of \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 The H/C at Kampala (Justice }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 J. B. A. Katutsi) dated 22}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid14380754\charrsid14380754 nd}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 June}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 1994 in H/C C. S No.360/82). \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14380754 JUDGMENT }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 OF MANYINDO. D. C. J, }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 This an appeal }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14380754 against}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 the Ruling of the High Court (Katutsi J.) on an appeal against the Ruling of and Order of the Taxing Officer. Briefl}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 y, the facts of the case are as }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 foll}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1393603 ows. In 1982 one Eugenia Roussos}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 sued the respondents in the High Court. The suit was heard and decided exparte in August of that year. It was decided in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079\charrsid9243168 favor }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 of the plaintiff, Eugenia Roussos. The latter died in 1992 and in the same year the respondents applied to the High Court for an order setting aside the exparte judgment.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line By then the Advocate for the late Eugenia Roussos had also died. In the circumstance the respondents sought an order substituting the present appellant Nicho}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15671199 las Roussos (a son of the late E}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 ugenia) as a Plaintiff as the appellant had taken over the administration of the Estate of Eugenia. It was at that point that the appellant instructed his present Advocates}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1393603 , H/S Mul}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 enga & Karemera Advocates, to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 represent him in the matter. The }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 respondent \rquote s application was allowed and the appellant became a party to the suit. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15671199 `\tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14380754 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line Counsel for the appellant then objected to the respondent\rquote s application to set aside the exparte judgment being entertained by the High Court on the ground that it was improperly before the Court. The trial judge overruled the objection. The appellant successfully appealed to this Court against the ruling. This Court ordered that the respondent \rquote s application to set aside the exparte judgment be struck out with costs to the appellant. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The appellant then filed his Bill of Costs in the High Court. The Bill of}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 Costs contained an item of }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 36}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585\charrsid9243168 , 000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 , 000/}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = as instructions fee. The Taxing O}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 fficer taxed off}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 21,000,000/= and allowed15, 000,000/= }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 as instruction }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 ees. T}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 he}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 respondents thought that the fee was on the high side and so appealed to a Judge for a reassessment. Katutsi}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 J}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585\charrsid9243168 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 who heard the appeal reduced the inst}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 ruction fees to }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 1}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 5,}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 000}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14974057 , 000}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 /}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 =. Hence the appeal. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line In his ruling the learned appellate Judge observed, quite correctly, that the Taxing Officer had }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11541585\charrsid9243168 discretion}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 in the matter of taxation which discretion he had of course to exercise judicially. He agreed with Counsel for the appellant that an appellan t court should not set aside a decision of the lower court made on a discretionary matter merely because it could have allowed a less sum. He rejected the submission of Counsel for the appellants (now respondents) that the Taxing Officer should have allow ed only the sum of Shs. 1500/= as instruction fee as provided for in the 6th schedule to the Advocates (Remuneration and Taxation of Costs) Rules, }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid1051079 1982}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 He held, quite rightly in my view, that the figures of shs. 1500/ is a minimum and not the maximum. The final lies in the discretion of the Taxing Officer. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The learned Judge also rejected the argument by the then Counsel for the respondent to the effect that}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 the}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Taxing Officer should not have taken into account extraneous matters such as the value of the subject matter of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 the suit (a house) and the fall of the value of the shilling. The Taxing Officer had put the value of the suit }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 property at United States Dollars 700,000 which}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 when converted }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 into }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 shilling using the exchange rate of shs 1000/}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1051079 per }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544 dollar. Considering that sum and also the fall }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 of the value of the shilling since 1982 when statutory Instrument No. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid10773544 1}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544\charrsid10773544 3}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid10773544 2}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 of 1982 regulating Advocates }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544\charrsid9243168 remuneration}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 , taxation and costs }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544 was made }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 he taxed }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544 off shs. 21,000,000/}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544 from the sum shs 36,000,000/= claimed by the appellant. \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The learned Judge disagreed with the value put on the suit property by the Taxing Officer. This i}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid10773544 s what he said on the point:-}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7012812 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7012812 \line \'93In th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7012812 pl}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 aint}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2818924 filed in 1982, plaintiff by }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14974057 Para}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2818924 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 17 of that plaint had given the value of the suit premises as shs. 19m. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7012812 I}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7012812\charrsid9243168 f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 we assume that at the time }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16125107 UGS.1000/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = was equivalent to 1 US dollar, which it would appear was the official exchange rate at the time, then th e suit premises were valued at Us 10,000 dollars. Taking it for granted that land does not depreciate but only appreciates in value, it is inconceivable, I think, that the suit}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2818924 premises within a period of onl}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 y ten years i.e. 1982\emdash 1992 when those proceedings commenced had appreciated by a factor of 70. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2818924 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line I am of the view therefore that the learned Deputy Registrar was in error in accepting that in 1992 the value of the subj}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2818924 ect matter was Ugs. 700,000,000/= or US}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 700,000 dollars and having used this figure to assess a fair instruction fee in the matter before him, he arrived at an erroneous decision. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13265337

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line It should also be borne in mind that the scale gave shs. 1500/= as the minimum a party could get for an action of the nature that was before the court. The sum of shs. 15m as awarded by the learned Deputy Registrar had the effect of increasing this scale by a factor of 100,000. Surely in principle this cannot be correct. This was manifestly excessive and contrary to law and amounted to an injustice to the appell an}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15734520 ts and an abuse of court process\'94}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 .}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13265337 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The learned Judge then went on to state that in the instant case the value of the subject matter was \'93far from being clear\'94 and that although in matters of taxation of costs the Taxing Officer and not the Judge is the e xpert, it is all a matter of guesswork, as there is no \'93arithmetical formula to be applied except the test of reasonableness\'94. In the circumstances he thought that an award of shs. 15 million would have been reasonable. He reduced the Taxing }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15734520 Officer\rquote s award accordingly. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line There are three grounds of appeal against that decision.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15734520 They are:- \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li2160\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14368068 \'931.\tab }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 The learned Judge erred in law in basing his \line decision on an erroneous \'93assumption\'94 that in }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid14368068 1982}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14368068 Ug Shs. 1,000/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = was equivalent to US $ 1 when in fact the official exch ange rate was Ug. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13265337\charrsid9243168 Shs}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 94 to US $ 1. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14368068 \par 2.\tab }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 The learned Judge erred and misdirected his mind in holding that the amount allowed for instruction fee by the Deputy Registrar was \'93manifestly excessive and contrary to law and amounted}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 to an injustice -}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 and an abuse of court process\'94 because it was in exces}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14368068 s of the minimum specified by the rul}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 es }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14368068 by 100,}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13390790 000 times after holding}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 in the same ruling a taxing officer ought not to multiply the scale fee, but to place a fair value on the work and responsibility involved. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13390790

\par 3.\tab }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 The learned Judge erre}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 d in law in }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 substituting }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 his own discretion for that of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 the Deputy Registrar in reducing the \line instruc}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 tion fee to an excessively low }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 amount\'94.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13390790 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The appellant therefore seeks an order setting aside the order of the learned Judge and reinstating that of the Taxing Officer. He also seeks costs of the appeal and in the lower court. The respondents have cross appealed, claiming that the learned Judge erred in taking into account the alleged value of the suit property. The firs t ground of appeal must succeed. There was no evidence before either the Taxing Officer or the appellate Judge regarding the exchange rate at the material time. Both assumed that the rate was shs. 1000/= per }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5010013 dollar}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5010013 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5010013 but as }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 turned out during the hearing of this appeal, the official exchange rate was }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5010013 shs}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 94 to the dollar. Mr. John Matovu who represented the respondents conceded the point after consultation with the Central Bank. Clearly it was wrong for the learned Judge to base his decision on an assumption w hen he could have called for a Certificate from the Central Bank on the point. As it turned out the assumption was grossly erroneous.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5010013 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line With regard to the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5010013 second ground of appeal, Mr. Mul}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 enga, learned Senior Counsel for the appellant, contended that the in structions fee as assessed by the Taxing Officer was not, contrary to the holding by the appellate Judge, manifestly excessive and wrong in law. The Judges position was that the costs allowed by the Taxing Officer were unacceptable because they were in ex cess of the minimum specified by the Rules by 100,000 times. That is why he reassessed the costs. Relying on the authorities of }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid12735170 Thomas James Arthur v Nyeri Electricity Undertaking, (1951) E. A 492}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid12735170 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid12735170 and Steel & Petroleum (. E. A.) V. Uganda Sugar Factory Ltd. (i97O}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12735170\charrsid12735170 ) E. A}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12735170 141. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12735170 Mr. Mul}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 enga submitted that the Judge was not free to reassess the instructions fee on the basis of formulae.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12735170 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line In }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid12735170 Steel & Petroleum}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 (Supra) the Taxing Officer taxed off the costs at Kenya shs. 8000/=. The ma tter was referred to a Judge of the then Supreme Court of Kenya. The Judge reduced the fee to Shs 4000/= on the ground that the fee which was four times the scale fee was manifestly excessive as to be of itself indicative of the exercise of a wrong princi ple. On appeal the then Court of Appeal for East Africa accepted the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15615719 appellant\rquote s }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 argument that the instructions fee allowed by the Taxing Officer was higher than seemed to be appropriate. But their Lordships refused to interfere with the award }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13265337 be}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9647856 cause:-\tab \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9647856 \tab \tab \'93 In a matter which must remain essentially \par \tab \tab One of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 opinion, we}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid9647856 think with respect, that \par \tab \tab It was not manifestly excessive as to \par \tab \tab Justify the learned judge in treating it as \par \tab \tab Indicative of the exercise of a wrong \par Principle\'94.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15615719 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line Th e Court held, quite rightly in my opinion, that the Court should interfere where there has been an error in principle but should not do so in questions solely of quantum as that is an area where the Taxing Officer is more experienced and therefore more ap t to the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15615719\charrsid9243168 job. The}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 court will intervene only in exceptional cases. Their Lordships did not think that the case before them was one of those exceptional cases. Accordingly, the appeal was allowed and the decisio}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid15615719 n of the Taxing Officer restored.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391 \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 { \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 The }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 case of Arthur v. }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391\charrsid3373391 Nyeri}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391 ],}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391\charrsid3373391 E}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391 le}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid3373391 ctricity}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid3373391 Undertaking}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid3373391 (supra}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3373391\charrsid3373391 )}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 which had been decided on the same basis was cited with approval by the Court. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8812587 In particular the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8859172 court alluded to its statement in that case}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 that:- \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 \tab \tab \'93 ----------------------a taxing }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 officer, when}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 \tab \tab he has decided that the scale should be \par exceeded, does }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 not arrive}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 at a figure by \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 \tab \tab multiplying the scale }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 fee, but }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 places }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 what}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16280094 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 \tab \tab he considers a fair value upon the work \par and responsibility involved.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line And so the gist of the decisions in the above two cases can be }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274\charrsid9243168 summarized}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 thus (a) a Court will not interfere with the assessment o the Taxing Officer who is best fitted for the job except in exceptional cases and (b) multificatio}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid2431274 n}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 factors should not be co}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 nsidered when assessing costs by the Taxing Officer or even the Judge on appeal.}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line On the third ground of appeal Mr. Mulenga}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 \rquote }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 s complaint was that the learned Judge erred in substituting his own discretion for that of the Taxing Officer in reducing the fee. He attacked the }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774\charrsid9243168 Judg}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 e }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774\charrsid9243168 holding}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 that although the Taxing Officer had in mind the principles applicable to Taxation of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774\charrsid9243168 Costs;}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 he had failed to apply them. These principles were taken from}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774\charrsid1596774 Ma}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid1596774 kula International}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Ltd. }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 v. cardinal }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 N}{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 subuga and Another. }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid1596774 (1982)}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid1596774 HCB.}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid1596774 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid1596774 11}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 and listed by the learned Judge as follows:}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 - \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 (a)\tab }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873\charrsid9243168 That}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 costs should not be allowed to rise to such level as to confine}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 \tab \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 access to Courts to the wealth; }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 (b) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 that a successful litigant ought to be fairly reimbursed for the costs he }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14307873 \tab }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 had to incur in the case; \line (c)}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 that the general level of renumeration of Advocates must be such as to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 attract re}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 cruits to the profession and \line (d}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 )}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 that so far as practicable there should be consistency in the awards}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 \tab \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 made. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377

\par \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 Mr. Mul}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 enga submitted that the Judge had not in his }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377\charrsid9243168 judgment}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 shown that any of the principles listed above was not followed by the Taxing Officer. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid16203377 But}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 it seems to me that the taxing Officer considered only two matters, namely (a) the reduced purchasing power of the shilling and (b) t he fact that Advocates can only be attracted to the profession by }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631\charrsid9243168 remunerating}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 them adequately. The learned Judge did not consider the other principles stated above. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line For the respondents it was submitted by Mr. Matovu, in support of the won appeal, first that the Taxing Officer was wrong to take into account inflation and the value of the subject matter when assessing the fee. He was bound to follow the fee sca}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377 le which allowed only shs. 1500/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 =. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377\charrsid9243168 Secondly}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 , it was contended that even if the use of the value of the property was permitted and a conversion rate of shs. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid16203377\charrsid16203377 94/}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid16203377 =}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 to a dollar applied, the costs would have been taxed at about shs. 2.5 million }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid83357 o}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid83357\charrsid9243168 nly}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . So the sum of shs. 15 million allowed could not be justified. Mr. Matovu maintained that the instruction }{\cs18\insrsid4130469\charrsid13521504 fees should not exceed shs}{ \cs18\insrsid83357\charrsid13521504 . 2000}{\insrsid83357\charrsid8289963 /=}{\insrsid4130469\charrsid8289963 \line }{\insrsid4130469\charrsid83357 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid83357\charrsid9243168 In }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 answer to the third ground of appeal, Mr. Matovu submitted that the learned Judge had a discretion to reduce or even increase the award of costs. He argued that the learned judge rightly interfered with the taxed costs which had been arrived at on a wrong basis \emdash inflation and value of the Suit Property were taken into account. His only quarrel with the decisi}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid83357 on was that the learned Judge di}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 d not, when he should, stick to the fee scale. \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid83357 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line After a careful consideration of the arguments of both Counsel and the relevant authorities referred to above, I am of the view that the fee }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid83357 scale}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 had not set a maximum to the instructions fee to be taxed off by the Taxing Officer. The matter is left to the discretion of the taxing Officer. Every case must be decided on its own merit. In every variable degree, the value of the suit property may be taken into account. See:}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 -}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 Pardhari v. Osman }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 (1969) }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 E. A. 582; Makula (supra) and Attorney- General v. Uganda Blanket Manufacturers, Civil Application No. 17 of }{\b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 1993}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \emdash }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 Supreme Court (unreported).}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line The question here is simply whether the learned Judge was ju stified in interfering with the instructions fee allowed by the Taxing Officer. Was the award so manifestly excessive as to indicate an error in principle entitling the High Court Judge to interfere? In my judgment the instruction fee ought to take into a ccount the amount of work done by the Advocate, and where relevant, the subject matter of the suit as well as the prevailing economic conditions. As was pointed out in }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 Premchand Reichand}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 Ltd. v.}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Quarry Services }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 (1972) E. A. 182 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 by the Court of Appeal for Eas t Africa in assessing the instructions fee, the correct approach is that stated by Pennycuick }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 J}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 in }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416\charrsid5179416 Simpsons}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Motor sales }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 (London)}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 Ltd. v... Hendon Corporation. (}{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 1964)}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 3}{ \b\i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416 All E. R }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416\charrsid5179416 833}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid5179416\charrsid5179416 ,}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid5179416 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 when he }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11154281 said:- \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line \'93}{\insrsid11154281\charrsid11154281 One }{ \insrsid4130469\charrsid11154281 must envisage}{\insrsid11154281\charrsid11154281 a }{\insrsid4130469\charrsid11154281 hypothetical}{\insrsid11154281\charrsid11154281 }{\insrsid4130469\charrsid11154281 Counsel}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line capable of conducting the particular case effectively but unable or unwilling to insist on the particularly high fee sometimes demanded by Counsel of prominent reputation. Then one must know that tee this hypothetical character would b}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11154281 e content to take on the brief.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 { \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line Clearly, it is important that Advocates should be well motivated but it is also in the public interest that costs be kept to a reasonable level so that justice is not put beyond the reach of poor l itigants. In the instant case there was an interlocutory application to restore the suit for hearing. The suit concerned very valuable property. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid8289963 Mr}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Mulenga had to start the matter from scratch as the original plaintiff and her \line Advocate had died. Neverthe less the case did not end there. In the circumstances I am of the view that the instructions }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963\charrsid9243168 fees as taxed by the Taxing Officer were}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 unduly excessive. The learned Judge was right to intervene but then his reassessment was manifestly on the low side. He ga ve no reason for such a low figure except to say that assessment of instruction}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 s fee is a matter of guess work! }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 I think the fee should have been less than awarded by the Taxing Officer but more than what the learned Judge allowed}{\insrsid4130469\charrsid8289963 . I would }{\insrsid8289963\charrsid8289963 allow a sum of shs. 6,000,000/=}{\insrsid8289963 \par }{\insrsid4130469\charrsid8289963 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 In the result I would allow the appeal, set aside t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208 he Ruling and order of Katutsi J}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . and substitute an order allowing the ins}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 tructions fee of shs. 6,000,000/}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 = plus costs of the appeal here and in the lower court. I would dismiss the c}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 ross appeal with costs. As Odoki}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 J. S. C. and Oder J. S. C. agree, it is }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 so}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 ordered. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line DATED at Mengo this ...}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 ...}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 \'85\'85.4}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8289963\charrsid8289963 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8289963 \'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 day }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208\charrsid9243168 March, 1996}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 . }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208 \par }\pard \s15\qr \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208\charrsid13457208 S. T. MANYINDO \par DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13457208 I CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A

\par TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL. \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13521504 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7614773 \par E. K. E TURYAMUBONA, \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13186610 \par DEP}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 UTY REGISTRAR, THE SUPREME COURT}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13186610\charrsid6577631 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205\charrsid6577631 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631 }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid6577631 JU}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205\charrsid6577631 DGM}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid6577631 ENT}{ \i\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid6577631 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid6577631 OF ODOKI J. }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205\charrsid6577631 S. }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid6577631 C. }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid6577631\charrsid6577631 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 I have had the advantage of reading the judgment of Manyindo D. C.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid132009 J. and I agree with it and the o}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 rders he had proposed. }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205\charrsid6577631 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 Delivered at Mengo this}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 4}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid3690205 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 day of }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 March 1996.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13521504 \par }\pard \s15\qr \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line B. J. ODOKI, \line }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line I CERTIFY THAT THIS A TRUE \line COPY OF THE }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid3690205 ORIGINAL.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \par }{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 E. K. E. TURYAM}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 UBONA}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 .}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid3096509 {\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3690205 DEPUTY REGISTRAR, THE SUPREME COURT}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3096509 \par }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3096509\charrsid3096509 \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8069230\charrsid3096509 JUDGMENT OF ODER, J. S. C.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid3096509 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 I have had the benefit of reading in draft the judgment of Manyindo, D. C. J. and I agree that the appeal should be allowed in part }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid132009 and allow }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 t}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid132009 he instruction f}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13042566 ee at}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid132009 . 6,000,000/=.}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891\charrsid3096509 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 \line Delivered at Mengo this}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 4th }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 \'85\'85\'85\'85}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 day of}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 \'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 March 1996. }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469 \par }\pard \s15\qr \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 A. H. O. ODER, \par }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891\charrsid7874891 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 \par }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891\charrsid7874891 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4130469\charrsid9243168 I CERTIFY THAT THIS A TRUE }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7874891 \par COPY OF THE ORIGINAL. \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid6577631 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid13521504 E. K. E TURYAMUBONA,}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14830933\charrsid9243168 \par }}