Written statement of defence template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent written statement of defence responding to a plaint.
When to use this
When defending a civil suit after being served.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: Where a different response (e.g. preliminary objection) is appropriate — adapt accordingly.
The template
A precedent only. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details; it contains no real party data. Have it reviewed before use.
Heading
IN THE [COURT] OF UGANDA AT [PLACE]
CIVIL SUIT NO. […] OF [YEAR]
[PLAINTIFF] ……… PLAINTIFF
VERSUS
[DEFENDANT] ……… DEFENDANT
1. Preliminary objections
1.1 (If any) The Defendant shall raise a preliminary objection that [no cause of action / the suit is time-barred / wrong court], without prejudice to the defence below.
2. Response to the plaint
2.1 The Defendant ADMITS paragraphs [..] of the plaint.
2.2 The Defendant DENIES paragraphs [..] and puts the Plaintiff to strict proof.
2.3 The Defendant makes no admission as to paragraphs [..] and requires the Plaintiff to prove them.
3. The defendant’s case
3.1 The Defendant’s case is that [set out the defendant’s version of the material facts and the legal basis of the defence].
4. Set-off
4.1 (If any) The Defendant claims a set-off of UGX [AMOUNT] due from the Plaintiff in respect of [basis].
5. Counterclaim
5.1 (If any) By way of counterclaim, the Defendant repeats the above and claims against the Plaintiff: (a) [relief]; (b) interest; (c) costs.
6. Prayer
6.1 WHEREFORE the Defendant prays that the suit be dismissed with costs [and that judgment be entered on the counterclaim].
7. Verification & filing
7.1 I, [DEFENDANT], verify that the contents are true to my knowledge, information and belief.
Dated [DATE]. Defendant: ____________ Drawn and filed by [ADVOCATE], [ADDRESS].
Drafting notes
- Answer everything
- Admit, deny or require proof of each allegation — a bare or evasive denial may be treated as an admission.
- Plead your case
- Set out the defendant’s positive case and any set-off or counterclaim with its own relief.
- Preliminary points
- Raise any preliminary objection (no cause of action, limitation, jurisdiction) clearly.
- In time
- File within the time allowed (Order 8) to avoid default judgment under Order 9.
Execution requirements
- The defence is verified and filed within the time allowed under Order 8.
- Failure to file in time may lead to default judgment under Order 9.
- Serve the defence (and any counterclaim) on the plaintiff.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Civil Procedure Rules, Orders 8 (defence and counterclaim) and 9 (default).
- Civil Procedure Rules — Order 8; Order 9.