Kigundu Sulaiman v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 239 of 2002) [2008] UGCA 17 (28 April 2008)

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\asianbrkrule\rsidroot9588108\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6520772 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6520772 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6520772 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6520772 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz1\linemod10\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid10684055\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15301906 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid10684055 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid9900649 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid10684055 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid10684055 \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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par }{\fs32\insrsid6387952 \par }{\fs32\insrsid9588108 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA, AT KAMPALA \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\b\fs28\insrsid9588108\charrsid9588108 CORAM:\tab HON. JUSTICE L. E. M. MUKASA-KIKONYOGO, DCJ. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1658554 {\b\fs28\insrsid9588108\charrsid9588108 \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA, JA.}{\b\fs28\insrsid1658554 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1658554 {\b\fs36\insrsid1658554\charrsid1658554 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 239 OF 2002}{\b\fs36\insrsid9588108\charrsid1658554 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 KIGUNDU SULAIMAN\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85APPELLANT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 VERSUS \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 UGANDA\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85RESPONDENT \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1658554 {\b\fs32\ul\insrsid9588108\charrsid9588108 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT}{\fs32\insrsid9588108 : \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1658554 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 Sulaiman Kiggundu, the appellant was indicted for the murder of Kayondo }{\fs32\insrsid9585149 Richar}{ \fs32\insrsid9588108 d, the deceased. He was found guilty and convicted as charged. He was sentenced to death. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid9588108 The brief facts of the case were that on }{\fs32\insrsid9585149 24/03/2001 the appellant and the deceased were playing a game of cards known as }{\fs32\insrsid5906684 \'93}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 matatu}{\fs32\insrsid5906684 \'94}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 together with some of the prosecution witnesses. A quarrel broke out between the appellant and the deceased. It was followed with a fight. The two were separated }{\fs32\insrsid210515 by PW}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 1}{\fs32\insrsid7493053 ,}{ \fs32\insrsid9585149 Kyagaba and Lukyamuzi}{\fs32\insrsid5906684 , }{\fs32\insrsid9585149 PW2 and taken }{\fs32\insrsid5906684 in}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 to the directions of their homes.}{\fs32\insrsid9588108 \par }{\fs32\insrsid9585149 However, the appellant overpowered Lukyamuzi and escaped from him. He picked up a big stick and ran to the deceased and hit him with the stic k on the head. The deceased collapsed and started bleeding profusely from the nose. He was eventually taken to Mulago Hospital where he died three days after the incident. The postmortem report revealed that the cause of death was fracture of the skull due to assault. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid9585149 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid9585149 A}{\fs32\insrsid15009235 t}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 his trial the appellant denied the charge and set up an alibi, but which was rejected by the Court. In }{\fs32\insrsid15009235 agreement with the assessors, the trial judge found the appellant guilty as charged and se}{\fs32\insrsid6387952 ntenced him to death. Hence thi}{\fs32\insrsid15009235 s appeal.}{\fs32\insrsid9585149 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 The memorandum of appeal contains three grounds. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 Mr. Bwengye Mark represented the appellant and submitted that the prosecution did not prove malice aforethought. Had the learned trial judge properly considered the evidence of PW1 and PW2 he would have c ome to the conclusion that the appellant had no intention to kill. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 Miss Tuhaise did not agree. She prayed Court to uphold the conviction and sentence. The defence of provocation was not available to the appellant. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid15009235 Upon listening to addresses by both le arned counsel for the parties and on perusal of the evidence adduced before Court and the authorities cited by the counsel we find merit in the appeal. \par }{\fs32\insrsid5906684 Considering the whole evidence and the circumstances of the case we accept the submission of Ms Tuhaise that the defence of provocation is not available to the appellant. \par \par However, as it was }{\fs32\insrsid4545381 observed}{\fs32\insrsid5906684 in the cases of }{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid7493053 Palmer }{\b\fs32\insrsid4545381 vs. R.}{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid7493053 (1971) 1 All ER 10 77}{ \b\fs32\insrsid7493053\charrsid7493053 , Uganda Vs. Charles}{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid7493053 }{\b\fs32\insrsid7493053\charrsid7493053 Oligo }{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid7493053 1974 HCB 54,}{\fs32\insrsid5906684 }{\fs32\insrsid4545381 \par }{\b\fs32\insrsid4545381\charrsid4545381 \'93}{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid4545381 if on the evidence in a }{\b\fs32\insrsid7493053\charrsid4545381 case }{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid4545381 it is possible that, although all que stions of self defence and provocation are rejected, it would be open to conclude that though the accused acted unjustifiably he had no intention to }{\b\fs32\insrsid7493053\charrsid4545381 kill }{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid4545381 or cause se}{ \b\fs32\insrsid7493053\charrsid4545381 rious }{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid4545381 bodily injury then manslaughter should be the verdict}{\b\fs32\insrsid4545381\charrsid4545381 \'94}{\b\fs32\insrsid5906684\charrsid4545381 . \par }{\fs32\insrsid5906684 \par In the instant appeal, t}{\fs32\insrsid15009235 aking }{\fs32\insrsid11496183 into}{\fs32\insrsid15009235 account all the surrounding circumstances of this case, the prosecution did not prove malice aforethought }{\fs32\insrsid11496183 beyond reasonable doubt. It will be unsafe to base a conviction of murder on the evidence as it stands on record.}{\fs32\insrsid15009235 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid11496183 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid11496183 In the result we allow the appeal, quash the conviction of murder, and substitute it with one of manslaughter }{ \fs32\insrsid4545381 contrary }{\fs32\insrsid11496183 to }{\fs32\insrsid7493053 Section 187 }{\fs32\insrsid11496183 of the Penal Code Act. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6387952 {\fs32\insrsid11496183 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9588108 {\fs32\insrsid11496183 Considering the period the appellant has spent in custody we impose on him 6 years\rquote imprisonment which would e}{ \fs32\insrsid7493053 ntitle him to immediate release, unless held on some other lawful charges.}{\fs32\insrsid11496183 \par \par Dated at Kampala this 28}{\fs32\super\insrsid11496183\charrsid11496183 th}{\fs32\insrsid11496183 day of April, 2008. \par \par }{\b\fs32\insrsid11496183\charrsid6387952 L. E. M. Mukasa-Kikonyog \par DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE. \par \par A. E. N. Mpagi-Bahigeine \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL. \par \par C. K. Byamugisha \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL. \par }}