Hofni Topacho Ongiretho & 2ors v Uganda [1994] UGSC 9 (3 March 1994)

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)}}{\*\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 \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid12390121 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 IN THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121\charrsid12390121 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 UGANDA}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 AT MENGO \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 (CORAM:}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 MANYINDO}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 DCJ, ODOKI }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 JSC, }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 PLATT}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 JSC) }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 CRIMINAL}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 APPEAL NO. 1/93}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 BETWEEN \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid12390121 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 A-1}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - HOFNI TOPACHO ONGIRETHO \line A-2- NOAH ABBAS =======}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 ===========================}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 APPELLANTS \line A-3- PHILIP ABOTH KARUNEN \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid12390121 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 AND \line UGANDA}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 ===============================================}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 NDENT \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (Appeal against Conviction & Sentence }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 of}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 the }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 H/C}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 decision h}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 olden at Kampala by (Mr. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 Justice}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 J. P. Berko) dated 15-1-93, in H. C. Cr. Ss, No, 7/92) \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid12390121 {\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 JUDGMENT}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 OF }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 THE}{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 COURT}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 : }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \line The appellant and three other men, who were acquitted, were tried and convicted on an indictment for treason, contrary to Section 25(1) (c) of the Penal Code. Nine overt act were alleged in the statement of offence. The first overt acts alleged that the appellants and other on 5-8-90, held a meeting at the International Television Sales premises in Kampala at which plans to overturn the Government by force of arms were discussed. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 In the second overt act it was alleged that on 12-8-90, at the same place the appellants and others held a similar meeting held on 17-8-90, at the same place by the appellant and others. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 In overt act }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 4}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 it was alleged that the appellants and two others met at Spring Garden Village, Kyambogo, near Kampala, and discussed further the plans overturn the Government. Overt act 5 alleged that the first and third appellants and two other accused who were acquitted held another meeting at the International Television Sales on 25-8-90, arid discussed the plot. Overt act 6 alleged that the }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121\charrsid71725 appellants}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 alone met at the same place on 27-8-90, and discussed the plot. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Overt act 7 alleged that the first and third appellants met alone at same place on 28-8-90, and discussed the plans to overturn the Government. Overt act 8 related o nly to the first appellant and other persons who were not before the Court. The allegation was that they had met at \'93the Date Processing offices in Kampala\'94 on 29-8-90 and discussed the plans to overturn the Government. And in overt act 9 it was alleged th at the first and third appellants and others, (but not the second appellant) had met at the open park opposite Kampala Railway Station on 29-8-90 and discussed plans to overturn the Government. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121

\par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 After hearing the evidence of both sides and submissions of C ounsel in the case, the trial Judge summed up the case to the Assessors and, without waiting to hear the opinion of the Assessor, he decided that the case against the fifth accused, one Ocan, had not been proved. He promptly acquitted him and orders his i mmediate release from custody. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Later the assessors gave their joint opinion. It was delivered by one of them, Kayongo. They advised the Judge to acquit all the appellants on all the overt acts, as the allegations against them had not been proved by the pro secution. At the outset of his judgment the Judge ruled that the case against the first and third appellants in overt act 7 and against the first appellant in overt act 8 had not been established. He acquitted them. He stated that in fact he thought that they had no case to answer on the two overt acts but that all the same he had decided to put those two ap}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 pellants of their defence. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \par On overt act I he found the appellants not guilty and acquitted them. On overt act 2 he convicted the second and third appellants as charged but found the first appellant guilty only of aiding and abetting treason. He convicted him accordingly. On overt act 3 all the appellants were acquitted. On overt act 4 the second and third appellants were convicted as charged while the first appellant was convicted of aiding and abetting treason only. On overt act }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 5}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 the first and third appellants were acquitted. As already point out, the second appellant was not implicated in that act. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 On overt act 6 the first appellant was convicted of aiding and abetting treason; the second and third appellants were convicted of treason. Surprisingly, the trial Judge made no specific finding on overt act 9, although he had found the first and third appellant, two co-accused (A3 and A4) and other no t before Court had met and discussed the overthrow of the Government as alleged in that overt act. May be the Judge was in a dilemma here. Having acquitted the A3 and A4 how could he convict the first and third appellants? Yet in view of finding he should have gone on the convict them. He was not entitled to leave the matter open. A decision had to be made one way or the other. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The trial judge simply wrapped the matter up loosely as follows: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid12390121 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'93 I am satisfied however from the evidence before me that the prosecution have proved the case against Al, A2 and A6 (the first, second and third appellants respectively). Though Al did not attend and participate in the meetings, which formed the overt acts, from the evidence in }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Court }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 he aided and abetted the crime. By v irtue of the provisions of S 21(1) (c) and 35 of Penal Code Act Al is a principal }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121\charrsid71725 offender}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 . I have found}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 A}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 1}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 , A2 andA6 guilty of the offence.\'94 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 The appe}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 lla}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 nts were}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 s}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 n}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 te}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 n}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 c}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 d to }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121\charrsid12390121 death}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 . He}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 nc}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 e th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 i}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 s app}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 e}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12390121 al bas}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 ed o}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid12390121 n }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 seven }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 grounds, namely: - \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 \'931. }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial Judge erred in law when at the conclusion of the prosecution case he did not make a finding and ruling as to whether or not a prima facie case had been made out against the appellants. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 2. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial Judge erred in law when he did not inform the appellants nor recorded their replied as to their rights before they gave their defences. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 3. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial Judge erre}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 d in law when he convicted the 1}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid11169963\charrsid11169963 st}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 appellant of the offence of Aiding when he had not been charged with it. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 4. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial J udge erred in law when he failed to require and record the opinion of the }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 2}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 nd}{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 assessor. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 5. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial Judge erred when he failed to resolve the discrepancies and contradictions in the prosecution evidence in favour of the appellants. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 6. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learne d trial Judge erred when he relied on his own theories unsupported by evidence to reject the appellant\rquote s cases. \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 7. }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 The learned trial Judge erred when he shifted the burden of}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 proof}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 from the prosecution to the appellants.\'94 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The Memorandum of appeal was drawn and filed by Mr. Paul Byaruhanga on 18-10-90, when he was representing all the three appellants, on a state brief. But by the time the appeal was called for hearing the first appellant had retained Mr. Owori as his new Counsel, on a private brief. At the hearing Mr. Owori adopted Mr. Byaruhanga\rquote s memorandum but abandoned Grounds 1,2,4 and 6. He argued grounds }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 3,5}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 and 7 which concerned his client. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963\charrsid71725 Mr.}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Byaruhanga abandoned grounds 1,2,3 and 4 and argued 5 and 6 only. Grounds 1,2 and 4 were abandoned on the ground that they were }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 \'93of no consequence\'94}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 We agree that there was no merit in Ground 4. But we would say this on ground 1 and 2. Section 71 of the Trial on Indictments Decree clearly required a trial Judge to decide, at the close of the prosecution cas e, whether the accused has a case to answer or not. If a prima facie case had not been out against him then he must be acquitted at that stage and not latter. If he has a case to answer then the options available to him under section 71(2) must be explain ed to him before he makes his defence. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 In this case Counsel for the appellants informed the trial Judge that they did not wish to make submissions of no case to answer. May be that influenced the Judge\rquote s decision on the matter but it is the duty of the Court and no one else to decide whether the accused has a case to answer or not. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The court must decide the matter one way or the other whether there is a submission by Counsel or not. Be that as it may, we are satisfied that the irregularity did not occasion a miscarriage of justice in view of the conclusion the trial judge reached on those two overt acts. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The convictions of the appellants were grounded on the evidence of Army Sergeants Morgah Armdam (Pwl) and Stephen Musana (PW2). They were Military Intelli gence officers who participated in the alleged meetings as spies. They prepared reports of these meetings. The reports were put in evidence as corroboration of their oral testimony. As against the first appellant his retracted confession was relied on. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Th eir testimony was, briefly, that sometime in May 1990, the Military intelligence received information from Private Buntuki (PW6) a member of the Military Intelligence Directorate, to the effect that a group of people were plotting to overthrow the Governm ent violentl}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 y. The group was trying to }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 recruit government soldiers into its ranks. Accordingly, the Directorate of Military Intelligence detailed PW1 and PW2 to infiltrate the group of plotters which they did. Among the plotters were the appellants. A t the time the first appellant was employed by International Television Sales Ltd. as Assistant Sales Manager, the second appellant is a former Major in the defunct Idi Amin Military Regime and the third appellant was self-employed. Thereafter they attend ed a series of meetings as detailed in the overt acts. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 According to PW1 and PW2 the meetings at the International Television Sales were facilitated by the first appellant who allowed the plotters to meet in his office. The first appellant also arranged for the meeting at Spring Garden Village, Kyambogo, to he held in his cousin\rquote s house. He even provided their transport to and fro Kyambogo. He did not attend the meeting in his office expect once (on 28-8-90) but even then he said nothing during that meeting. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The appellants denied the charges. The first appellant denied that he permitted his office to be used by the appellants and the witnesses. He denied having even facilitated the meeting at Kyambogo. The second and third appellants denied having attended a ny of the alleged meetings. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 We will deal with the case against the second and third appellants first. The trial Judge found that PW1 and PW2 had given contradictory evidence on overt acts Nos. 1,3,4 and 7. With regard to overt act 1 he found that there wa s a major discrepancy in their evidence which: - \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'93Went to root of the prosecution \lquote s case which depended on the credibility of }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 the tw}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 o key prosecution witnesses.\'94 \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 As a result he acquitted all the appellants. On overt act 3 he did not believe the evidence of PW2 in view of a seriou}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 s conflict in his evidence }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 and one of the reports (exh. P3) which was compiled by PW1 and PW2. He said: - \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'93The }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 contents of}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 the said report and the evidence of PW2 about what were discussed at the meeting are so conflicting that the }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 two}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 cannot be reconciled and a sense made out of them. The inconsistencies and contradictions between PW2 \lquote s evidence in covert and the report Exh. P3 cannot be said to be minor.\'94 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 He held that overt act 3 had not been proved. In fact PW2 was a self confessed liar. He admitted that he and PW 1 had lied to}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 the court about their reports -}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 that they had written them at Lubiri Barracks immediately after the meetings with the appellants when the truth was that they had written them three months later and then backdated}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 them. This is how PW2 put it:-}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'93The reports were }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 written three}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 months after the arrest of the accused persons so that I have told the Court that we recorded our report after every meetings are all lies.\'94 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Even some of the reports were shown to be false. For example, in our report (Exh. P8) it was alleged that A5 (Ocan) had attended the meeting of 27-8-90, at Kyambogo. Yet in Court PW1 and PW2 said nothing about that. The trial Judge found as a fact that A5 did not attend the alleged mee ting and accordingly acquitted him of overt act 4. \line PW1 and PW2 did not only contradict each other in material respects but did \line not support each other on other points. For example, in respect of overt act 2 \line the trial Judge found that: - \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \'93PW1\rquote s}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 talk about he and PW2 promising to recruit }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 soldiers from Lubiri Barracks and that they had }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 23 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 guns and }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 20 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 trusted soldiers at Lubiri Barracks is not supported by PW2.\'94 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The assessors in the case did advise the trial Judge that as PW1 and PW2 had already been found not to be credible witnesses on all the overt acts. With respect, we think the assessors were right. As the two key witnesses had been very badly discredited, they should not have relied upon to convict any of the appellants on any of the overt acts which formed a series of same transaction. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 In the result, we allow the appeal of the second and third appellants. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The first appellant had raised an interesting point of law in ground 3 of appeal. He complaint is that since he was charged with treason, it was not open to the trial Judge to convict him of aiding and abetting treason which is not a minor and cognate offence. The offence of treason is set out in section }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 25}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 of the Penal code, the relevant parts of which state as follows: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'9325. (1) Any person who \line (a) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - - - \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (b) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - - - \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (c) }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Contrives any plot, act or matter and expresses or declares such plot, act or matter by any utterance or }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 by any}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 overt act in order, by force of arms, to overturn the}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 Government as by law establish}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 ed; \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (d) }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Aids or abets anoth er person in the commission of the foregoing acts, or becomes an accessory before or after the fact to any of the foregoing acts, or conceals any of the foregoing acts. \line Commits an offence and shall suffer death.\'94 \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Overt act is defined in section }{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 35 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 of the Penal Code as follows: - \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'9335. }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 For the purpose of any offence defined in this Chapter (Chapter VII covering treason and }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963\charrsid11169963 offences}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 against the State) when the manifestation by an overt act of an intention to }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 affect}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 any purpose is an element of the }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963\charrsid11169963 Offence}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid11169963 ,}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 every act in furtherance of the}{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 commission of the offence defined or every act of conspiring with any person to effect that purpose and every act done in furtherance of the purpose by any of the persons conspiring, shall be deemed to be an overt act manifesting the intention.\'94 \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid856338 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 As already pointed out, the trial Judge held that aiders and abettor are principal offenders by virtue of the provisions of section 21(1) (c) and 35 of the Penal Code. Section 21(1\rquote ) (c) states: \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid11169963 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \'9321. (1) When an offence is com mitted, each of the following persons is deemed to have taken part in committing the offence and to be guilty of the offence, and may be charged with actually committing it, that is to say }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 -}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid11169963 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid856338 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (a) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - - - - \line }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (b) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 - - - - \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid856338 {\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (c) }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \tab }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Every person who aids or abets another person is \line committing the offence.\'94 \line }{ \b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid856338 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 Clearly section 21(1) (c) is a general provision, making aiders and abettors principal offenders. There is a special offence of aiding and abetting in section }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid856338 25(1)}{ \i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (d). The pr osecution chose not to proceed under this section by amending the charge after it had transpired, from the evidence, that the first appellant had not participated in the actual plot but that he might have facilitated the plotter somehow. As the trial judg e rightly found, the prosecution did not prove that the first appellant participated in any of the overt acts. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid71725 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 The question then is, in view of the specific offence in section }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid856338 25(1)}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 (d) was the trial Judge right to invoke the general provision in section 2 1(1) (c)? We think not. The first appellant could have been charged with aiding and abetting under section 25(1) (d) but was not. The evidence led }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 by the prosecution clearly }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 focused on the overt act as stated in the particulars of the offence and naturally the first appellant applied the defence to those overt acts only. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 We are satisfied that he was wrongly convicted under section 25(1)(d). His appeal succeeds on that account. We do not find it necessary to go into the question whether there was suff icient evidence to warrant the conviction. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 In the result the appeal is allowed. The appellants\rquote conviction is quashed and sentence set aside. The appellants are to be released from custody forthwith unless otherwise lawfully held. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par Dated At Mengo this 4}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid856338\charrsid856338 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 day of March 1994. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 S. T. MANYINDO \line DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 B. J. ODOKI \line JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid856338 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 H. G. PLATT \line JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid71725 }{\b\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14440835\charrsid856338

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid71725 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid14830933\charrsid71725 \par }}