Magezi Robert Vs Uganda (Crim. Case No. 71 of 2006) [2010] UGCA 46 (10 November 2010)

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\asianbrkrule\rsidroot2305628\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2960172 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12195380 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2960172 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12195380 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2960172 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12195380 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2960172 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12195380 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11096917\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2960172 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid2960172 \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 \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA AT MBARARA \par \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 CORAM: \tab HON. JUSTICE A. TWINOMUJUNI, JA \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang1053\langfe1033\langnp1053\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 HON. JUSITCE S. B. K. KAVUMA, JA \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 HON. JUSTICE M. S.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 ARACH AMOKO, JA \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11234627\charrsid15477237 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.71}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 OF 2006 \par \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 MAGEZI ROBERT..........}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 .......................}{ \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 ................................ APPELLANT \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 V E R S U S \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par UGANDA ........................................................................ RESPONDENT \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Principal State Attorney for the respondent. \par Ms Matovu Suwayah for the appellant on State brief \par The appellant is present }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Lydia Tuhir}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 ir}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 we Court Clerk.

\par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 I apply to appeal against sentence only}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237\charrsid15477237 .}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 : \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 No objection. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Court: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Leave is granted. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 We contend }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 the sentence is harsh and excessive in the circumstances of this case. We have three reasons. \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 The appellant at the time of the offence was mentally ill the state confirmed this fact on page 3 R/A when it stated }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 he was undergoing mental treatment. In his allocutus, the appellant said he had a recurring mental prob lem. He said it occurs during the presence of many people. The sentence of 18 years was excessive. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}The appellant was just 27 years. He was a first offender. He pleaded guilty to the offence. He never wasted court \rquote s time. He deserved a }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 lenient}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 sentence. The }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 trial}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 judge failed to take into account the age of the appellant before passing the sentence.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 He was still young. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 His age ought to have been considered. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}Appellant had spent 2 years and six months on remand. It was not clear whether the trial judge considered this }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 factor. I}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 now withdraw this as the factor }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 was considered. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid16589500 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11031227 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 I wish to rely on the authority of }{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Bikanga Daniel vs Uganda.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 This case shows that the court has power to reduce the sentence. Pray you reduce }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 sentence to 10 years imprisonment. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 : \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Pray you dismiss the appeal and uphold the }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 sentence. That the appellan}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960172\charrsid15477237 t was si}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 ck. He was examined the next day after the offence and was found to be normal. PW4}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 ,}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 the victim said that she was alone with the accused in his saloon. Aft er cutting her hair, he locked the door and defiled her. He was quite normal. \par \par Then it was said that appellant was just 27 years. The victim was only 3 years. The disparity in age is so glaring and the appellant was old enough to know better. The sentence was proper and pray that this court upholds the same. \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 The record and R/A says that the appellant was examined 18 days after the offence. \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT: \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1782957 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 We have listened to both counsel on this matter. The appellant committed a very serious offence which attracts a death sentence. The victim was a very young chi}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960172\charrsid15477237 ld aged only three years old. T}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 he fact }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 the appellant was aged 25}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 years is not a mitigating factor. He is expected at that age to know the difference between right and wrong. However, the record is not entirely clear on the mental status of the appellant at the time the }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 offence was}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 committed. Though the doctors say his mental status was normal, it is also true }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 he was undergoing some form of mental treatment at the time of the offence. We considered the possibility of }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 enhancing}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 the sentence but we have }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 finally}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 discoun}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 ted}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 it and a benefit of doubt in his favour }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 of the accused }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 on account of his mental status. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 All in all, we hold that offences against children have become a men ace in this country and this court must send the correct signal to the community that it will not be tolerated. The sentence of 18 years therefore must stand. The appeal is accordingly dismissed.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11096917\charrsid15477237 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \par Dated this 11}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 th}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 day of }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 November 2010. \par \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1782957 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 ................................................... \par Hon. Justice A. Twinomujuni \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \par Hon. Justice S. B. K. Kavuma \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85. \par Hon. Justice M. S. Arach Amoko \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE OF APPEAL \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \par }}