Robert Opio and Anor v Edward Kabugo Sentongo (HCT-00-CC-MA 142 of 2008) [2008] UGCommC 44 (21 August 2008)

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Jessica chemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo9\dy19\hr15\min55}{\revtim\yr2008\mo9\dy19\hr15\min55}{\printim\yr2008\mo8\dy29\hr10\min32}{\version2} {\edmins1}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords1891}{\nofchars10783}{\*\company Judicature Uganda}{\nofcharsws12649}{\vern24689}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180 \dghorigin1800\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale75\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot11948357\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2429281 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2429281 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2429281 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2429281 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \pgnid\linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7293153\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5310175 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid10369672 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16210619 - 9 -}}}{\cs16\insrsid10369672 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid10369672 \par }}{\*\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 \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 \par \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \par }{\f1\fs28\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 COMMERCIAL COURT DIVISION \par }{\f1\fs28\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid11948357 \par }{\f1\fs28\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 \par }{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357\charrsid3093271 HCT-00-CC-MA-01}{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid3093271\charrsid3093271 42}{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357\charrsid3093271 -2008

\par }{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357\charrsid7867159 (Arising from HCT-00-CC-CS-0}{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid3093271 166}{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357 -200}{ \b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid3093271 2}{\b\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357\charrsid7867159 ) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 {\f1\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\insrsid11948357\charrsid7867159 \par \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271 ROBERT OPIO & ANOTHER \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271\charrsid4410407 \'85\'85.. APPLICANT}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 S}{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271\charrsid4410407 }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 {\b\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271\charrsid7867159 VERSUS}{\b\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid7867159 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 {\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271 EDWARD KABUGO SENTONGO \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271\charrsid4410407 \'85\'85\'85 RESPONDENT }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 {\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 BEFORE HON.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid4410407 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 MR. JUSTICE LAMECK N. MUKASA \par \par }{\b\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357\charrsid7867159 RULING}{\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 : \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8398998 {\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 This is an application by Robert Opio and the Registrar of Titles, the 2}{ \f1\fs28\super\insrsid2169715\charrsid2169715 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 and 3}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid2169715\charrsid2169715 rd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 Defendants in Civil Suit No. 166 of 2002, seeking an extension of time within wh ich to file an Amended Defence to an }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 Amended Plaint. The applica}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 t}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 ion}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 is brought by Notice of Motion under Order 51 rule 6, Order 52 rule}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid12732096 1}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 of the Civil Procedure Rules and Sections 96 and 98 of the Civil Procedure Act.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid3093271 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 \par The application is supported by two affidavits, on}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 e}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 deponed to }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 by}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 Sarah Basagwa Kulata, the Ag. Commissioner for Land Re}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 gistration }{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 in the Ministry of Land}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 , Housing }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10449454 and Urban}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 Development. The other is deponed }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 to }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 by Robert Opio, the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid2169715\charrsid2169715 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 Applicant and a Senior Registrar of Titles for Kampala City Council. \par \par Order 51 rule 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules grants court the discretion to extend time within which to ta}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 k}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 e any action or proceedings. }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 It states:-}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715

\par \par }\pard \qj \li567\ri567\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin567\lin567\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 \'93Where a limited time ha}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s been fixed for doing any act }{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 or taking any proceedings under these rules or by order of the Court, the Court shall have power to enlarge the time upon such terms, if any, as the justice of the case ma}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 y require, and the enlargement may}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 be ordered although the application }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 for it is not made until after the expiration of the time appointed or allowed; except that the costs of any appl}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 ication to extend the time and o}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 f any order made on the application shall be borne by the parties making the application, unless the court shall otherwise order.\'94}{\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 \par Section 96 of the Civil Procedure Act states:- \par \par }\pard \qj \li567\ri567\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin567\lin567\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 \'93 Where any period is fixed or granted by the court for the doing of any act prescribed or allowed by this Act, the court may in its discretion, from time t}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 o time, enlarge the period, even}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 though the period originally fixed or granted may have expired.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 \par While prosecuting the application Ms Fredah Kabatesi, a State Attorney argued that the reasons contained in the two affidavits, filed in support of the application, provided sufficient reasons a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 to why the Amended Written Statement of Defence was not filed in time. Counsel cited the case}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 of}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 }{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid13569891\charrsid15863628 Charles Harry Twagira Vs Attorney General and 2 others SCC Application No 15 of 200}{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid15863628 6}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 w}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 here Justice Kanyeihamba }{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 JSC agreed with the holding }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 of }{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 Justice Tsekoko JSC in the }{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid15863628\charrsid15863628 Mansukh}{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid12732096 a}{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid13789104 l Ramji Kar}{ \i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid15863628\charrsid15863628 ia & Crane Finance }{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid13789104 C}{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid6582553 o }{\i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid15863628\charrsid15863628 Ltd Vs Attorney General & 2 others SCC Application No. 1 of 2003}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 where he stated}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 :-}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 \par }\pard \qj \li567\ri567\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin567\lin567\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 \'93 The matter is left to the discretion of the Court. This means is my view that various factors can constitute sufficient re}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 so}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 n}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 . In my view, a ground that prevents injustice to an }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 applicant can}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 constitute sufficient reason. Counsel\rquote s mistak}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 e}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 can caus}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 e injustice. Article}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 126 (2) (c)}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 requires courts to administer substantive justice without undue regard to technicalities. Without being dogmatic, I think that Article 126 (2) (}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 c)}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15863628 should be a useful tool in considering applications as this one.\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 \par The Plaintiff/Respondent}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 \rquote }{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 s claim in the main suit is that at all material time}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 , he was and still is the registered proprietor of the land and house situate at Kyadondo Block 208 Plot 1408 Kawempe. That th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 e}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 st}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Applicant/2}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Defendant is a registrar of titles and the officer in charge of Kampala Mailo Office Land Registration Department Ministry of Water, Land and Environment working under the control of the 2}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 nd}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Applicant/3}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 rd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Defendant. The 2}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Applicant is in charge and control of the office of Title}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 in the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 said Ministry}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 . That the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid15028277\charrsid15028277 st}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 Applicant fraudulent}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 ly}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 and in non}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 -}{\f1\fs28\insrsid15028277 compliance with }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 the provisions of the Registration of Titles Act re}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 moved }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 a }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 caveat lodged on the property by one Jenifer Kabugo, wife to the Respondent, registered a mortgage in favour of the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid10433483\charrsid10433483 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 Defendant and had intention to register a transfer into the names of a third party. Which act }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the Respondent}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 contends cause}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 d}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10433483 him }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 loss and damage for which he holds the}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 A}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 pplicants and the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid13069044\charrsid13069044 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 Defendant jointly and sever}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 ly liable.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4399610 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 \par The }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 R}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 espondent filed an affidavit in reply where in paragraph 3 he avers that the department of land registration and }{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 survey}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 where Sarah Basagwa Kulata}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 works}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 was served on 17}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid13069044\charrsid13069044 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 Augu st 2007 but has since not filed a defence to the amended plaint. In paragraph 6 he avers that since the time the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid1784969\charrsid1784969 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 Applicant, Robert Opio, was served with the Amended Plaint has been appearing in court but had never explained to court a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 to why he did not file a defence to the Amended Plaint. }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid13069044 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 \par In }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 his affidavit}{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 Robert Opio states that he is employed in the Government of the Republic of Uganda}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 as a Senior R}{\f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 egistrar of }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 Titles for Kampala City Council. That at }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the material}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 times }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 t}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 he was officer in charg e of Kampala Mailo Office and a subordinate officer to the Ag. Commissioner Land Registration. Since the end of the year 2004 he was relocated from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development under, what he terms, very harsh circumstances whereb y he was literally declared persona non-granta, }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 which,}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 he says, meant that he could not be seen near the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 registry nor}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 could he access any of the records in respect of land matters, including the file and certificate of title comprising of the suit property. He contends that as a result of the above reasons, when the amended plaint was served on him in August 2007, he could not have access to the relevant file in order to prepare}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 n appropriate defence. That it was only from }{\f1\fs28\insrsid13789104 the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 beginning of the year 2008 the circumstances changed enabling him to have access, requisite and make }{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 consultations}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 bus and }{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 be in position to prepare the defence attached dated 19}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid12927617\charrsid12927617 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 March 2008. }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid1784969 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 \par In her affidavit the Ag. Commissioner for Land Registration avers that she is the officer in charge and control of the Department of Land Registration. As the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 r}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 esponsible officer, her attention has been only recently drawn to the suit by the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid12927617\charrsid12927617 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 Applicant, Opio Robert. She contends that she is the responsible officer upon whom service of the Amended Plaint ought to have been made. She denies having been served and states }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 that }{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 she only learned from the said Opio Robert, }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the Senior Registrar}{\f1\fs28\insrsid12927617 of titles for Kampala }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 District of the alleged service of an Amended Plaint on the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Department on}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 or about 16}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid4876487\charrsid4876487 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 August 2007. She contends that due to }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the failure}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 to serve the responsible officer, it has}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 not}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 been practicable for the Department to effectively }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 prepare itself}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 and to file the necessary defence within the prescribed time. \par \par On the above evidence Counsel of the Applicants}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 submitted }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 that the}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 re}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 were}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 sufficient reasons for the }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Applicants}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 \rquote }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 failure}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 to file the amended statements of defence in time. Counsel also relied on the case of }{ \i\f1\fs28\ul\insrsid4876487\charrsid5972913 Attorney General Vs AKPM Lutaya SCC Application No. 12 of 2007}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 , where}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 t he reason for delay was that there was a lack of co-ordination in the Civil Registry of the Attorney Generals Chamber following the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 resignation of a Senior S}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 tate}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 A}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 ttorney who had the personal conduct of the case file. }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 Justice Bart K}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 aturebe JSC }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 found that there was a lack of c}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 oordination in the Civil Registry of the Attorney General\rquote s }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Chambers and}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4876487 held that the mistakes and lapses and or failures by the Director of Civil Litigation, his lawyers and staff constituted sufficient cause as to why the necessary steps were not taken in time. His Lordship allowed the application for extension of time.

\par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 \par Mr Medard}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 Lubega, c}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 ounsel for the}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 Respondent, opposed}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 the application. He argued that the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 pplication was tail}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 or}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 ed with lies and deceitful conduct on the part of the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 A}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 pplicants. With regard to the 1}{ \f1\fs28\super\insrsid8070934\charrsid8070934 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 Applicant Counsel argued that he had neither been dismissed }{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 n}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 or interdicted but only }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 transferred}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 from the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 L}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 and Department to Kampala City Co}{\f1\fs28\insrsid5972913 uncil}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 . He had been only relocated or transferred. Counsel maintained that in the circumstances he had access to the relevant files. \par \par It is an agreed fact that Opio Robert had moved from the Registration of Land Department of the ministry to Kampala City Council. His evidence on oath is that the circumstances}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 of}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 his transfer were very harsh and was literally treated a persona non granta with no access to the department. The only evidence to contra}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 di}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 ct that statement is that of the Respondent}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 who in}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 paragraph 5 of his affidavit states that Opio Robert has always had access to the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 L}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 and Registry. Mr. Edward Kabugo Sentong}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 o is not an officer or member}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 of staff in the land Registry and as such he is not in }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 position positively}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 to }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 assert, as he attempts to do, that Opio had f}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 ree}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 access to the Registr}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 y. It is not always true that a}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 n officer who has been transferred from an office has free access to that office and }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 or }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 documents therein. There is no evidence given to }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 contra}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 di}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 ct}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 Opio Robert}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 \rquote s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 evidence on the circumstances surrounding his transfer. I therefore find no reason to doubt h is averments as to his accessibility to the information relevant for the }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 preparation}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 of an appropriate defence. \par \par With regard to the 2}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid8070934\charrsid8070934 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 Applicant }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 c}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 ounsel argued that the office of }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the Commissioner}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 Land }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Registration was}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 aware of the Amended Plaint since there was service of the Amended Plaint on the Commissioner Land Registration }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 on}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 e}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 Mr Karibwende on 17}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 August 2007. Further Ms Kulata must have been aware of the Amended Plaint since on 11}{ \f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 February 2008 a Hearing Notice had been served on a lady Commiss ioner for land whom learned counsel concluded must have been Ms Kulata. He relied on the two affidavits of service, annexture}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 \'93A1\'94 and \'93A2\'94 to the affidavit in reply.}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid8070934 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 \par In Annexture A2, the process sever avers that he was forwarded to the Commissioner of Land Mr. Kalibwende whom he served the Amended Plaint. This was on 17}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 August 2007. While in Annexture A1 the process server states that on 11}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 February 2008 he served Hearing Notice on the Commissioner of Land who}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 m}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 he this time does not name b}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 ut}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 refer to as \'93Her\'94 . The }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 implication is}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 that there has since bee}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 n}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 changes in office of the Commissioner. The evidence available }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 is that }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 Ms Sarah Basagwa Kulata is currently the Ag. Commissioner Land Registration. However there is no evidence to show that she was the lady Commissioner on whom }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the Hearing}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 Notice was served on 11}{ \f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 February 2008. Her evidence is that she had only been recently made aware of the existence of }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the suit}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 and the Amended Plaint by the 1}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid10035125\charrsid10035125 st}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 Applicant. It}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14951808 is not disputed that Mr. Kar}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 ibwende on whom the Amended }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 Plaint had been served had}{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 ceased }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 to be the Commissioner Land Registration. No evidence has been adduced to show that Sarah Basagwa Kulata, the Ag. Commissioner }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 was }{\f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 the one who immediately replaced }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 Mr. Karibwende. This court is not prepared to infer that since Sarah Basagwa Kulata is a lady, she must be the one served with Hearing Notice on 11}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid14096602\charrsid14096602 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 February 2008. In the premises I find that the 2}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid14096602\charrsid14096602 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 Applicant has given sufficient reasons for failure to file an Amended Written Statement of defence in time. }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid10035125 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Both Applicants}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 in their respective affidavits, state }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 t}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 hat it is just and }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 equitable that}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 the application for extension of time within which }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4202442 to file the defence in allowed. The need to file an Amended Written Statement of defence arose following the Respondent having filed an Amended Plaint on 16}{ \f1\fs28\super\insrsid4202442\charrsid4202442 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4202442 August 2007. }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Otherwise both}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4202442 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Applicants}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4202442 }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 had already filed a jointly Written Statement of Defence on }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 26}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid8398998\charrsid7293153 th}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 April}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 2002. The Applicant }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 has}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 attached to this application their intended Amended Written Statement of Defence. I have carefully perused the Applicant}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 \rquote }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 s Written Statement of Defence on record and their intended Amended Written }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Statement of}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 Defence and I have found that }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the intended}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 Amended Written Statement of }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Defence does}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 not introduce anything new. It does not in any }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 way introduce}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 a new defence. The defence is substantial the same, save that the Intended Amended Written Statement of Defence is more elaborative. Even}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 if }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 the Application was to be rejected what is stated therei n could still be brought out in evidence }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 and}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 the Applicants would still be within their pleadings. \par \par Therefore considering all the circumstances of this ca}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 se this }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 Court find}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 it appropriate to exercise its discretion an}{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 d}{ \f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 allow the application by both }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 Applicant}{\f1\fs28\insrsid6582553 s}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 to }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 extend the time within which to file their Amended Written Statement of Defence. The application is granted. Since the reasons }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 for }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 the Applicants}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 \rquote }{ \f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 failure to file the Amended Written Statement of }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 Defence cannot}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 be attributed to the Respondent, the}{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 Re}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 spondent is awarded cost }{\f1\fs28\insrsid4012676 occa}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 ssioned to him by this }{\f1\fs28\insrsid8398998 application.}{\f1\fs28\insrsid14096602 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3093271 {\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid5272727 \par \par \par }{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8398998 {\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 Hon Mr. Lameck N. Mukasa \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2782236 {\b\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153\charrsid8398998 Judge \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5272727 {\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 22}{\f1\fs28\super\insrsid7293153\charrsid7293153 nd}{\f1\fs28\insrsid7293153 August 2008}{\f1\fs28\insrsid13569891 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3093271 {\f1\fs28\insrsid2169715 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11948357 {\f1\fs28\insrsid11948357 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid6754790 \par }}