St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School, Naalya – the institution at the center of a recent court case over workplace safety
In a recent ruling, Justice Musa Ssekaana of the High Court in Kampala declared that gifts cannot be taken back once given, regardless of any subsequent disagreements .This decision came after a lengthy legal battle between St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School and its former deputy headmaster, Dennis Odetta, over a wedding gift a car.
The school had argued that the vehicle was given to Odetta to facilitate his work, but Justice Ssekaana disagreed, stating that the car was voluntarily given as a wedding gift before a large congregation .
Justice Ssekaana emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest the car was given to facilitate Mr. Odetta’s work as deputy headmaster. After reviewing a video recording of the wedding reception, he stated, “It is crystal clear that the motor vehicle was given to the plaintiff as a gift.”
He further observed that the school’s claim was “unbelievable and an afterthought,” aimed at contradicting the fact that the vehicle was a genuine gift. “Presenting a car at a private wedding function was not meant to facilitate Mr. Odetta’s work,” Justice Ssekaana noted.“The school sought to garner praise for their kindness, which they received, and cannot now revoke the gift by denying its intention.” He added
The judge emphasized that a gift is something given without expectation of payment or return.
The judge likened the school’s actions to “jilted lover syndrome,” where one seeks to reclaim gifts given during a relationship .Justice Ssekaana observed that the school’s demand for the vehicle’s return was retaliatory, motivated by Odetta’s resignation and refusal to grant leave.
Related
