Chance David V Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 287 of 2002) [2009] UGCA 40 (11 September 2009)

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;} {\f248\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f249\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f251\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f252\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;} {\f253\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f254\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f255\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f256\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);} {\f598\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f599\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f601\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}{\f602\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f603\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);} {\f604\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f605\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f606\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}{\f607\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255; \red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0; \red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid6968450 Normal;}{\* \cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid6968450 line number;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid6968450 footer;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid6968450 page number;}{ \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f35\fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 \ssemihidden \styrsid5247515 Balloon Text;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0} {\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-300670246\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid-235914956\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-390\li1110 \jclisttab\tx1110\lin1110 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li1800\jclisttab\tx1800\lin1800 }{\listlevel \levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li2520\jclisttab\tx2520\lin2520 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0 \levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3240\jclisttab\tx3240\lin3240 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3960\jclisttab\tx3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext \leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li4680\jclisttab\tx4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703 \'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li5400\jclisttab\tx5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6120 \jclisttab\tx6120\lin6120 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li6840\jclisttab\tx6840\lin6840 }{\listname ;}\listid1249193930}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1249193930\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid17132\rsid85610\rsid89881\rsid404349\rsid728653\rsid1718655\rsid1781987\rsid2111728\rsid2318505\rsid2370003\rsid3024065\rsid3170315 \rsid3170647\rsid3303138\rsid3488015\rsid4594679\rsid4861712\rsid5120876\rsid5247515\rsid5400497\rsid5444645\rsid5641546\rsid6371721\rsid6826568\rsid6904050\rsid6968450\rsid6970110\rsid7432747\rsid7602315\rsid7672169\rsid7682972\rsid7742987\rsid7878651 \rsid8214834\rsid8392789\rsid8412227\rsid8412529\rsid8416992\rsid8869984\rsid8917033\rsid9005050\rsid9636509\rsid9984176\rsid10104212\rsid10253524\rsid10496762\rsid10708286\rsid10844083\rsid10897907\rsid11162542\rsid11364988\rsid11368433\rsid11412637 \rsid11681249\rsid11806385\rsid11883637\rsid12483190\rsid12530800\rsid13305144\rsid13988864\rsid14817715\rsid15603962\rsid15676809\rsid15728699\rsid15736247\rsid15867284\rsid15891611\rsid15956049\rsid16072522\rsid16145270\rsid16544361}{\*\generator Micros oft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\author wkibabu}{\operator skivumbi}{\creatim\yr2009\mo9\dy16\hr9\min34}{\revtim\yr2009\mo9\dy16\hr9\min34}{\printim\yr2009\mo8\dy24\hr16\min19}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages6}{\nofwords1498} {\nofchars8539}{\*\company Court of Appeal}{\nofcharsws10017}{\vern24689}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440\margt1260 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace120 \dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1260\dghshow2\dgvshow2 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct\asianbrkrule \rsidroot6968450\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8416992 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8416992 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8416992 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8416992 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod5\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid3024065\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7878651 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid11364988 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5444645 1}}}{\cs17\insrsid11364988 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11364988 \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\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par \par IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 CORAM:\tab HON. JUSTICE C. N. B KITUMBA, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE S. B. KAVUMA, JA. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\ul\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 CRIMINAL APPEAL No.287 OF 2002 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 CHANCE DAVID\tab \tab \tab \tab :::::::::::::::::::: APPELLANT \par \tab \tab }{\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 VERSUS \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 UGANDA\tab \tab \tab \tab :::::::::::::::::::::\tab RESPONDENT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\i\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 [Appeal from the conviction and sentence by the High Court of Uganda sitting at }{ \b\i\insrsid11412637\charrsid2111728 Fort-portal (Mwangusy}{\b\i\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 a J) in Criminal Session Case No. 3 of 2002 dated 18/6/2002) \par }{\b\i\insrsid16072522\charrsid2111728 \par }{\b\ul\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT}{\b\ul\insrsid85610\charrsid2111728 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 This is an appeal from the conviction }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 for}{ \insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 defilement contrary to section 129 (1) of the Penal Code Act.}{\insrsid6968450\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 The prosecution case as accepted by the learned trial judge is as follows: T}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 he complainant}{\insrsid3170647\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 Pw3}{ \insrsid3170647\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 was a young}{\insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 girl aged four years. She had gone for a visit }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 at}{\insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 the home of her uncle } {\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 one Kaizire William who was a resident of Kajungira village, Kyarusozi sub-county, Kyenjojo District. The appella}{\insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 nt was a porter of her uncle, and}{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 lived in the same home.}{\insrsid3170315\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 On 2}{\super\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 nd}{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 October, 1999, the victim was left at home with a baby by Tusiima Margaret Atwooki, Dw3}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 , the wife of the uncle}{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 . When she was in bed trying to make the baby sleep, the appellant came, removed her knickers and defiled her. The complainant told the appellant to leave her alone but he refused. When Dw3 returned from the well}{\insrsid16145270\charrsid2111728 ,}{ \insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 the appellant stopped defiling the complainant and left. The complainant told Dw3 that the appellant had defiled }{\insrsid11368433\charrsid2111728 her }{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 but Dw3 ignored her report. \par On 3/10/1999, Mbabazi Beatrice, Pw2, who is the complainant\rquote s mother went to see her daughter at the home}{\insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 of the uncle}{\insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 where }{\insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 she}{ \insrsid10897907\charrsid2111728 had gone for a visit}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 . Pw2 found her daughter sick. She told the unc}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 le to take her to her father }{\insrsid11162542\charrsid2111728 Mugabe}{ \insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 John, Pw1 at Rwenzori Highlands}{\insrsid8214834\charrsid2111728 Tea Esate}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 , where he was working. Later on}{\insrsid16145270\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 Pw2 was called to the clinic to find out what was wrong with her daughter. When she was bathing her}{\insrsid16145270\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 she complained of pain in her private parts. When the mother asked her what was wrong she told her that the appellant had removed her knickers and defiled her. Pw1 took her to }{\insrsid8214834\charrsid2111728 Fort-portal}{ \insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 Hospital where she was examined by a clinical officer Rwabeera Stephen, Pw5. The examination revealed that her hymen had been ruptured and there were bruises and inflammation }{\insrsid15736247\charrsid2111728 of the external parts of the va}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 gin}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 a}{\insrsid15956049\charrsid2111728 , which confirmed that she had been defiled.}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 The appellant was arrested and charged with defilement. }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 In his defence}{\insrsid3488015\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid3488015\charrsid2111728 t}{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 he }{\insrsid3488015\charrsid2111728 appellant }{ \insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 totally denied the offence. He stated}{\insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 that he was being framed by }{\insrsid11162542\charrsid2111728 Mugabe}{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 John, Pw1, the father of the complainant.}{ \insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 He stated that Pw1 was his co-worker at the home of Mwesigye Patrick, D3. Pw1 }{\insrsid15676809\charrsid2111728 stole}{\insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 their employer\rquote s wheel barrow and the appellant reported him. }{\insrsid3024065\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid8917033\charrsid2111728 In consequence of that, Pw1 vowed to put the appellant in trouble.}{\insrsid3024065\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 He called three other witnesses in his defence. \par The learned trial judge rejected his defence, believed the prosecution case, convicted the appellant as indicted and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment. \par The appellant being dissatisfied with the decision of the learned trial judge has filed his appeal to this court on the following grounds; - \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-389\li1109\ri1109\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx1110\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin1109\lin1109\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\b\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 That the learned t rial judge erred in law and fact when he failed to evaluate the evidence on record and wrongly convicted the appellant. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}That the learned trial judge erred in law and in fact when he passed an excessive sentence in the circumstances. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 He prayed court to allow the appeal, quash the convict}{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 ion, acqui}{ \insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 t the appellant and set aside the sentence. \par On ground 1, Mrs}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 .}{\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 Vennie Kasande Murangira, learned counsel for the appellant, complained that the learned trial judge did not properly evaluate the evidence. She submitte d that there were grave inconsistencies }{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 and contradictions in the prosecution evidence but the learned judge did not at all consider them. She argued that Pw1 testified that when he was bathing the complainant he saw pus oozing out of her private parts and she was swollen all over the body. She told him that the appellant had taken her to Atwoki\rquote s house removed her knickers and defiled her. }{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 When}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 Atwooki}{ \insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 returned, she}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 interrupted the appellant who was defiling her and he run away. She argued that this testimony is very different from that of the complainant Pw3 and her mother Pw2.}{ \insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 Mbabazi Beatrice, Pw2, testified that when she went to see her daughter, the complainant, she found her sick and was swollen on the face and on the legs. She told her uncle to take her to her father, Pw1 at Rwenzori Highlands}{\insrsid8214834\charrsid2111728 Tea Estates}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 , where he was working. She was summoned at the clinic to find out what was wrong with her daughter. When}{ \insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 she}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 was}{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 bathing her she complained of pain in her private parts.}{\insrsid728653\charrsid2111728 }{ \insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 S}{\insrsid728653\charrsid2111728 he asked her what was the matter }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 and her answered was that}{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 she}{\insrsid728653\charrsid2111728 had been defiled by the appellant while she was in bed trying to put the baby to sleep. }{\insrsid8392789\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 Counsel argued that Pw5 on medical}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 ly}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 examin}{\insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 ing}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 the complainant he did not see any infection or pus oozing out of private parts. The complainant and Pw5 did not testify about the swelling on the face or on the legs.}{\insrsid17132\charrsid2111728 The a}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 ppellant}{ \insrsid17132\charrsid2111728 \rquote s}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 counsel criticized the learned judge for failing to consider the defence of a grudge which had been raised, by the appellant in his de}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 fence. Counsel contended that if}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 the learned judge had properly evaluated the evidence}{\insrsid5641546\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 he }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 would}{ \insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 have acquitted the appellant. \par }{\insrsid11681249\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 Ms Calorine Nabasa, learned Principal Sate Attorney}{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728 for the respondent opposed the appeal and supported the conviction and sentence. She submitted th at the complainant knew very well her defiler. She submitted that the contradictions, which were pointed out by appellant\rquote s counsel were minor and did not go to the root of the case.}{\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 She submitted that Pw1 and Pw2 saw the complainant on 3/10/1999 when the offence was committed on the previous day. Counsel explained that the complainant Pw3, did not talk about the swellings because she was too young.}{\insrsid13305144\charrsid2111728

\par }{\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 Under }{\b\ul\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 Rule 30 (1) (a) of the Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules) Directions}{\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 , we are empowered on appeal from t he High Court in its original jurisdiction to reappraise the evidence and draw inference}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 s}{\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 of fact. We have to take into account that we neither saw nor heard the witnesses testifying during the trial. See }{\b\ul\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 Pandya vs R [1957] E. A. 33, Bogere Moses & Another vs Uganda Criminal Appeal No. 1 of 1997 SC}{ \insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 . \par Counsel for the appellant has complained }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 about}{\insrsid1718655\charrsid2111728 evaluation of evidence}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 especially the learned trial judge\rquote s failure to consider what}{ \insrsid15867284\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 in counsel\rquote s view}{\insrsid15867284\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 were contradictions and inconsistencies. Regarding the place where the complainant was defiled}{\insrsid15867284\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 we do not take it to be a}{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 major}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 contradiction}{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 . }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 She was defiled inside Atwooki\rquote s house. It does}{\insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 not}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 matter t}{\insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 hat }{\insrsid11806385\charrsid2111728 she told}{ \insrsid6904050\charrsid2111728 Pw1 that the appellant took her to Atwooki\rquote s house}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 and defiled her}{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 whereas she told Pw2 that the ap pellant found her inside Atwooki\rquote s house.}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 This witness was }{\insrsid15728699\charrsid2111728 a }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 very young child}{\insrsid10253524\charrsid2111728 and the difference in narrating her ordeal to the two parents is not surprising}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 .}{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 Similarly, }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 whether it is}{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 Pw1 or Pw2 who bathe}{\insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 d}{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 the complainant}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 , it}{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 is no contradiction at all. Th e complainant is a small girl and could have been bathed both by her father and her mother at different times. }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid14817715\charrsid2111728 We appreciate the submission by the Principal State Attorney that the complainant being so young did not testify that she was swollen. Pw5 medic ally examined the complainant on 13/10/1999, whereas her parents had seen her on 3/10/1999. }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 Appellant\rquote s counsel}{\insrsid15728699\charrsid2111728 \rquote s}{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 complaint that the judge did not consider the appellant\rquote s defence of a grudge between him and the complainant \rquote s father is not justified. The judge observed that, Mwesigye Patrick, Dw2, whose wheel barrow the complainant\rquote s father is alleged to have stolen, }{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 testified}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 that Pw1}{ \insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 had never worked for him and}{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 the witness}{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 had never lost a wheel barrow. }{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 Additionally}{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 on our part}{\insrsid12483190\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 we find that Dw4, John Magezi, who was brought by the defence to prove }{\insrsid7742987\charrsid2111728 the}{\insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 grudge between the appellant and Pw1, stated that he did not know}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 any other }{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 dispute between the appellant and Pw1,}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 apart from this defilement case. Tumusiime Margaret Atwooki, Dw3, testified that the complainant}{\insrsid4594679\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 while she was with the}{\insrsid15891611\charrsid2111728 ir family}{ \insrsid4594679\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid15891611\charrsid2111728 fell sick and her husb}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 and took her to Rwen}{\insrsid9984176\charrsid2111728 z}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 ori Highlands}{ \insrsid8214834\charrsid2111728 Tea Estates}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 where he used to work. She bathed the complainant on the day of the alleged defilement but she did not complain of anything. In cross examination she said; -}{ \insrsid6970110\charrsid2111728 \par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li720\ri1109\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin1109\lin720\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 \tab }{\b\i\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 \'93 I used to leave Sylivia with the baby whenever I went for my chores. I used to leave her with Chance. Sylivia never told me anything about Chance\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 It is obvious to this court that the complainant was defiled}{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 when Dw3 had left her at home with the appellant. This was}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 in }{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 her}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 family setting and Dw3 was}{\insrsid8412529\charrsid2111728 all}{ \insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 out}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 to hush up the offence. That is why she did not take any action when the complainant told her that she had been defiled by the appellant. \par In his judgment}{\insrsid5120876\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 the learned trial judge found that the complainant reported to Dw3 that the appellant had defiled her but her report was ignored. She did not}{ \insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 insist any further because of her age}{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 .}{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 W}{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 hen her mother came}{ \insrsid5120876\charrsid2111728 ,}{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid5120876\charrsid2111728 the victim}{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 was able to report the defilement to her. The judge believed the testimony o f the complainant that it was the appellant who defiled her. We find no reason to fault him.}{\insrsid89881\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 Ground 1 is devoid of merit and fails. \par }{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 We consider ground 2 in which }{\insrsid10844083\charrsid2111728 the }{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 appellant\rquote s counsel complained that the sentence of 12 years imprisonment was too harsh in the circumstances}{ \insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 . The P}{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 rincipal State Attorney }{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 u}{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 rgued this court to uphold the sentence because the complainant was only four years at the time she was defied.}{\insrsid15603962\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid16072522\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 We have considered the circumstances of the case. This is a case of aggravated defilement and the appellant was liable to a maximum sentence of death. He defiled }{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 the}{ \insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 complainant who was only four years old.}{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 The trial court took into }{\insrsid1781987\charrsid2111728 account }{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 all}{\insrsid1781987\charrsid2111728 the}{ \insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 mitigating circumstances before passing it. }{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 The sentence of}{\insrsid7682972\charrsid2111728 twelve years imprisonment was is}{\insrsid4861712\charrsid2111728 , in our view, on the}{ \insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 lower side and we find no justifiable reason to decrease it. }{\insrsid7672169\charrsid2111728 Ground 2 is accordingly dismissed.}{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 \par In the result, the whole appeal is dismissed. \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 Dated this}{\insrsid7602315\charrsid2111728 11}{\super\insrsid7602315\charrsid2111728 th}{ \insrsid7602315\charrsid2111728 }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 day of}{\insrsid7602315\charrsid2111728 September }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 2009.}{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid16544361\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 C. N. B. KITUMBA}{\insrsid6826568\charrsid2111728 \par }{\b\ul\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid16544361\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 C. K. BYAMUGISHA \par }{\b\ul\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 \par }{\insrsid16544361\charrsid2111728 \par \par }{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 S. B.}{\insrsid3303138\charrsid2111728 K.}{\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 KAVUMA \par }{\b\ul\insrsid404349\charrsid2111728 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2111728 {\insrsid2370003\charrsid2111728 \par }}