Uganda Electronics & Computer Ltd v Kituuma-Magala & CoAdvocates (HCT-00-CC-MA 481 of 2006) [2006] UGCommC 43 (22 August 2006)

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\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct \asianbrkrule\rsidroot7211715\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2841375 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2841375 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2841375 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2841375 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2711169 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid13436412 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid13919286 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid13436412 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid13436412 \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 \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid7211715 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\insrsid15861250 \par }{\insrsid7211715 \par IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \par \par COMMERCIAL COURT DIVISION \par \par HCT-00-CC-MA-0481-2006 \par \par (Appeal from HCT-00-CC-MC-0004-2006 \par }{\insrsid3429157 and a}{\insrsid7211715 rising from HCT-00-CC-CS-0466-2005) \par \par Uganda Electronics & Computer Ltd Appellant \par \par Versus \par \par Kituuma-Magala & Co. Advocates }{\insrsid11682624 }{\insrsid7211715 Respondent \par }{\insrsid2829282 \par }{\insrsid7211715 \par }{\b\ul\insrsid7211715\charrsid2829282 BEFORE: THE HONOURABLE M}{\b\ul\insrsid4552073 R}{\b\ul\insrsid7211715\charrsid2829282 . JUSTICE FMS EGONDA-NTENDE \par \par RULING \par }{\insrsid7211715 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid7211715 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid621148 { \insrsid7211715 The }{\insrsid4552073 appellant}{\insrsid7211715 was the plaintiff in the head suit. It retained the res pondent, a firm of advocates to handle at some stage, the case for the plaintiff. It contends that this was at agreed lump sum. The respondent on the other hand, filed }{\insrsid13186650 a notice of motion, applying for leave to commence a suit to recover its fees and costs from the appellant, and that the advocate/client bill of costs be taxed, among other }{\insrsid4552073 relief}{\insrsid13186650 sought. At the hearing of that application, the appellant objected to the taxation of the bill of costs, contending that it was not due, as they had agreed upon a lump sum to cover the fees for the respondent.}{\insrsid7211715 The Taxing Master}{ \insrsid13186650 rejected this objection and}{\insrsid7211715 made a decision to tax the advocate/client bill of costs filed by the respondent, and it is that decision, that the appellant now appeals from.}{\insrsid13186650 The respondent bill of costs remains untaxed }{\insrsid4552073 to date}{\insrsid13186650 , and the rest of the application}{\insrsid4552073 ,}{\insrsid13186650 vide HCT-00-CC-CS-0466-2005}{\insrsid4552073 ,}{\insrsid13186650 has not been heard and determined.}{ \insrsid7211715 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid7211715 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}I heard the appeal on 16}{\super\insrsid7211715\charrsid7211715 th}{\insrsid7211715 August 2006 and dismissed it}{\insrsid4552073 with costs}{ \insrsid7211715 , and now proceed to provide the reasons for my decision. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid13186650 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}{\insrsid13186650 The appellant, on the appeal, contends that the decision appealed }{\insrsid4552073 from was}{\insrsid13186650 wrongly arrived at, and is bad in law as it was against the evidence adduced by the appellant. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid13186650 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}Mr. Stephen Mwandha, learned counsel appearing for the respondent, }{\insrsid1720244 raised what he referred to as three points of law. He }{ \insrsid13186650 contended that this appeal }{\insrsid1720244 was premature as the bill of costs in question had not been taxed as yet. Secondly that there was no notice of appeal to signify the commencement of this appeal. And thirdly, this appeal was time barred, as the ruling was delivered on 8}{ \super\insrsid1720244\charrsid1720244 th}{\insrsid1720244 May August }{\insrsid4552073 2006 and}{\insrsid1720244 this appeal was filed on 6}{\super\insrsid1720244\charrsid1720244 th}{\insrsid1720244 July 2006, contrary to Section 79(b) of the Civil Procedure Act.}{\insrsid7211715 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid1720244 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}{\insrsid1720244 I will take the final point raised by Mr. Mwandha first}{\insrsid13270005 , as it is capable of bringing }{\insrsid1720244 this matter to a close. Mr. Francis Katabalwa, learned counsel appearing for the appellant, submitted that this appeal was in time, as the appellant had shown it had received the proceedings and decision of the taxing master on 29}{ \super\insrsid1720244\charrsid1720244 th}{\insrsid1720244 June 2006. Time must start from the date the proceedings were available}{\insrsid13270005 to the appellant}{\insrsid1720244 in accordance with Section 79 of the Civil Procedure Act. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid8284100 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}{\insrsid8284100 I think it is useful, at the outset, to set out the provisions of Section 79 of the Civil Procedure Act. It provides, }{ \insrsid6714795 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6714795 {\insrsid8284100 \lquote (1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in any other law, every appeal shall be entered\emdash }{\insrsid6044179 }{\insrsid13270005 \par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin2160\itap0\pararsid13270005 {\insrsid8284100 (a) within thirty days of the date of the decree or order of the court; or }{\insrsid6044179 }{\insrsid8284100 (b) within seven days of the date of the order of the registrar, }{\insrsid6044179 }{\insrsid13270005 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6714795 {\insrsid6044179 }{\insrsid13270005 \par }{\insrsid8284100 as the case may be, appealed against; but the appellate court may for good cause admit an appeal though the period of limitation prescribed by this section has elapsed. }{\insrsid6044179 }{\insrsid8284100 (2) In computing the period of limitation prescribed by this section the time taken by the court or the registrar in making a c opy of the decree or order appealed against and of the proceedings upon which it is founded shall be excluded.\rquote \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid8284100 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid621148 { \insrsid8284100 Section 79 above is a general provision of limitation with regard to appeals but has no application where some other law has provided specifica lly for the period within which appeals should be lodged. This is clearly so, with its opening words, }{\i\insrsid8284100\charrsid6044179 \lquote Except as otherwise specifically provided in any other }{\i\insrsid4552073\charrsid6044179 la}{ \i\insrsid4552073 w,\rquote }{\insrsid8284100 . It has no application where another law deals with this issue. And in turn, subsection (2) thereof, applies only in respect of cases governed by subsection (1) of the same section.}{\insrsid6714795 }{ \insrsid4552073 This is evident from its opening words, \lquote }{\i\insrsid4552073\charrsid6044179 In computing the period of limitation prescribed by this section,\rquote }{\insrsid4552073 .}{\insrsid8284100 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6714795 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\tab}}{\insrsid6714795 The period within which this current appeal has to be lod ged is provided for by Section 62 of the Advocates Act, Chapter 267. It provides, \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri1440\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1440\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6714795 {\insrsid6714795 \lquote (1) Any person affected by an order or decision of a taxing officer made under this Part of this Act or any regulations made under this Part of this Act may appeal within t hirty days to a judge of the High Court who on that appeal may make any order that the taxing officer might have made.\rquote \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6714795 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid621148 { \insrsid6714795 The appeal in this case had to be lodged within 30 days of the decision of the taxing officer as it is provided for in Section 62(1) of the Advocates Act. The appeal was lodged long after 30 days had expired. It was out of time. No leave to file it out of time was sought by the appellant. The appeal is therefore time barred. The appellant can not call in aid, Section 79(2) of the Civil Pr ocedure Act, as it is not applicable to matters not governed by Section 79 (}{\insrsid13270005 1}{\insrsid6714795 ) of the Civil Procedure Act, such as the one before me. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6044179 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 10.\tab}}{\insrsid6044179 As the appeal was incurably incompetent, for being out of time, I dismissed it with costs to the respondent.}{\insrsid621148 It is unnecessary to consider the other two matters raised by Mr. Stephen Mwandha.}{\insrsid4552073 }{\insrsid6044179 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid621148 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 11.\tab}}{\insrsid621148 For the benefit of the appellant, I take the liberty to draw its attention to the provisions of Sections 50 and 51 of the Advocates Act. It is possible to for an advocate and a client to reach agreement with regard to the sum}{\insrsid13270005 of money}{ \insrsid621148 to be paid for }{\insrsid4552073 professional }{\insrsid621148 services rendered}{\insrsid4552073 or to be rendered by an Advocate}{\insrsid621148 . And such an agreement on fees would not be subject to taxation by virtue of Section 54 of the Advocates Act. That agreement to take effect must be in writing, signed by the person}{\insrsid4552073 or persons}{\insrsid621148 to be bound by it, and contain a certificate signed by a notary public certifying that the contents of the agreement were explained to the person bound by it. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid621148 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 12.\tab}The agreement that the appellant put forth in its objection before the taxing officer, and }{\insrsid4552073 on this appeal, is not in compliance with Section 51 of the Advocates Act, and may, therefore, be unenforceable.}{\insrsid621148 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4552073 {\insrsid4552073 Signed, dated and delivered at Kampala this 23}{\super\insrsid4552073\charrsid4552073 rd}{\insrsid4552073 day of August 2006.

\par \par \par \par FMS Egonda-Ntende \par Judge \par }\pard \ql \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid4552073 {\insrsid4552073 \par }}