NO.0875 Pte. Wepukhulu Nyuguli v Uganda [2002] UGSC 14 (4 March 2002)

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\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind1\viewscale148\viewzk2\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot1532137 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9834301 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9834301 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9834301 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9834301 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\colsx60\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9834301 \par }}{\footerf \pard\plain \s20\qj \li4368\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin4368\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs28\f2\fs20\cf1\insrsid9834301 PAGE}}{\fldrslt { \cs28\f2\fs20\cf1\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12942804 1}}}{\cs28\f2\fs20\cf1\insrsid9834301 \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 \s19\qc \li0\ri0\sb67\sl-638\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 \par }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 \par }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 AT MENGO \par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sl-638\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 21 OF 2001 \par }\pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb173\sl-317\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 (CORAM: ODER, TSEKOOKO, KAROKORA, MULENGA, AND}{ \cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 KATO, JJSC.) \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb168\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 NO.0875 PTE. WEPUKHULU NYUGULI }{ \cs27\b\fs26\expnd14\expndtw70\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 ::::::::}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 APPELLANT \par }\pard\plain \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb110\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 VERSUS \par }\pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb86\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 UGANDA }{\cs27\b\fs26\expnd14\expndtw70\cf1\insrsid9834301 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 RESPONDENT.

\par }\pard\plain \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s21\qc \li0\ri0\sb96\sl-269\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs31\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 (Appeal from }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 the judgment of the}{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 Court }{ \cs31\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 of Appeal }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 of Uganda at Kampala.}{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 (Okello, }{\cs31\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 Berko, }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 and Engwau }{\cs31\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 JJ.}{\cs30\b\fs22\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid9834301 A)}{\cs30\b\fs22\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 in Criminal Appeal No. 110 }{\cs31\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 of }{ \cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 1999}{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs30\b\fs22\cf1\insrsid9834301 dated 1/6/2001). \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb221\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb77\sl-470\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 This appeal is against the decision of the Court of Appeal which upheld the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 conviction and sentence imposed by the High Court against the appellant for}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 defilement Contrary to Section 123(1) of the Penal Code Act. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb10\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The facts of the case as presented to and accepted by the trial court and}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 confirmed by the Court of Appeal are as follows: \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb5\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Wepukhulu Nyuguli, the appellant, was a soldier before his arrest. He lived}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 near the hut where the complainant's parents were living at Ngoriom Army}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Detach. On the evening of 24/9/97, before the defilement complained of, the \par \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1546\sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sb1438\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl-480\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 appellant, who had recently wedded, went to the mother of the complainant}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 and asked her to allow the complainant, Jaquiline Nandudu, to go to his}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 home and k eep his wife company as he was away on night duty. The}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 mother, Jeniffer Nalyaka (P. W.2), permitted the daughter to go and stay}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 with the appellant's wife over night. The appellant returned from duty early}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 in the morning and found the complainant still sleeping. She was alone as}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the appellant's wife had gone to fetch water. He defiled her. When the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 complainant reached home her mother observed that she was not walking}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 properly and kept her legs apart when sitting. The mother asked her what}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 was wrong. The complainant replied that the appellant had persuaded her to}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 sleep with him as his wife and that he "had poured his liquid into her." The}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 girl's thighs had dried whitish smear on them. The mother then proceeded to}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 examine the girl's private parts and observed wh itish substance and some}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 bruises on the opening of her vagina. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The matter was reported to the officer in charge who caused the arrest of the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 appellant. Both the appellant and the girl were sent to Kapchorwa where}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the appellant was detained and the girl was examined by Dr. Yeko on}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 27/9/97. The medical examination revealed that the girl was about 8 years}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 old, her hymen had been ruptured, and the vaginal opening was inflamed.}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The injuries appeared to be about 5 days old. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb10\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 At the trial the appellant denied having committed the offence. He stated that}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 on the day he could not remember, he was summoned to the office of the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 O}{\cs29\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 . C. }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 where he was informed that he had defiled the complainant, an}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 allegation which he denied. He was arrested and later sent to Kapchorwa}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Police Station. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The trial judge rejected the appellant's denial and accepted the facts as}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 established by the prosecution. He convicted the appellant and sentenced}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 him to 12 years' imprisonment. His appeal to the Court of Appeal was}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 dismissed, hence this appeal based on two grounds, namely:- \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s22 \cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s22\qj \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb139\sl-317\slmult0\widctlpar\tx720{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720 {\pntxta .}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9834301 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The Learned Justices of Appeal erred in fact and in law when}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 they found the prosecution had established all the ingredients of}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the offence by confirming the conviction. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s22 \cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \s22\qj \fi-720\li720\ri0\sb490\sl-312\slmult0\widctlpar\tx720{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720 {\pntxta .}} \faauto\ls1\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9834301 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The Learned Justices of Appeal erred in fact and in law when}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 they failed to find that the Appellant's conviction could not rest on}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the contradictions and inconsistencies in the prosecution case. \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb19\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Mr. Atuhaire, learned counsel for the appellant, argued these grounds}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 together. He started with the second ground. Counsel submitted that there}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 were material contradictions in the prosecution evidence regarding the date}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 when the offence was committed. He pointed out that while the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 complainant stated that she was defiled on 25/9/97 her mother testified that}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the offence was committed on 26/9/97 and the doctor who examined her on}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 27/9/97 stated in his report that the injuries on the girl were inflicted about 5}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 days before the examination. It was learned counsel's contention that if the}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 trial court had considered these inconsistencies, a doubt would have been}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 cast on truthfulness of the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. He further}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 submitted that because of those contradictions the medical report did not}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 corroborate the evidence concerning the ingredient of penetration. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb5\sl-480\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 On his part, Mr. Okwanga, Principal State Attorney for the Respondent,}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 submitted that the contradictions complained of were minor and should be}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 ignored and that the Court of Appeal rightly ignored them. On the issue of}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 penetration, he contended that the prosecution had proved that ingredient}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 through the evidence of the complainant, that of her mother and of the}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 doctor who examined her. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb5\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 We shall discuss the issue of inconsistencies first. This same issue was}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 raised before the Court of Appeal which held that the inconsistencies were}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 minor. It is trite law that minor inconsistencies, unless they point to}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 deliberate untruthfulness on the part of prosecution witnesses, should be}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 ignored and that major ones which go to the root of the case, should be}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 resolved in favour of the accused }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 (See Alfred Tajar}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 -V- }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 Uganda Cr.}{ \cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 Appeal No. 167 of 1969 EACA)}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 (unreported). But each case must be}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 decided on its facts. In the case now before us the inconsistencies or}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 discrepancies relate to the dates when the girl was defiled. The girl testified}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 that she was defiled on the morning of 25/9/97 , but the mother mentions}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 26/9/97 as the date when the defilement took place. In our opinion a}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 difference of a day is not so crucial so as to go to the root of the case. The}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 two witnesses, it would seem, were testifying from their own memory}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 without the aid of any written record of their own about an event which took}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 place nearly a year earlier, it was therefore natural for them to make such a}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 slight mistake. There is nothing on record suggesting that the contradictions}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 were deliberately intended to mislead the court. We would also like to point}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 out that a date on which defilement is committed is not one of the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 ingredients of the offence of defilement. As for the doctor's statement that}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the defilement had taken place about 5 days previous to the examination, we}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 agree with Mr. Okwanga's contention that this was mere estimate. The}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 doctor was not definite about the date so his statement about the age of the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 injuries cannot be treated as a contradiction with regard to what the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 complainant and Nalyaka (P. W.2) stated. We find no merit in the second}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 ground of appeal. It must fail. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb5\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 We now turn to the first ground which concerned the question of penetration}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 which is one of the ingredients that must be proved by the prosecution in a}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 case of defilement. Learned counsel for the appellant complained that due to}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the contradictions in the prosecution case it could not be conclusively said}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 that sexual intercourse had taken place. As indicated earlier, Mr, Okwanga}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 counsel for the respondent, was of a contrary view. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-475\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 The issue as to whether or not sexual intercourse took place in a particular}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 case is a matter of fact to be established by evidence. In the instant case the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 evidence relied upon by prosecution to prove that there was penetration is}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 contained in the testimonies of the complainant, Nandudu (P. W. I), her}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 mother, Jenniffer Nalyaka (P. W.2) and the medical report. The evidence of}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Jaquiline Nandudu (P. W. I) was to the effect that while she was sleeping in}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the appellant's house at about 6.00 a.m., the appellant went to her and lay on}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 her and used his 'Kasolo' (penis) to "pour into her his water" (meaning he}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 ejaculated into her). This happened when she was wearing her knickers and}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the appellant was wearing his trousers which he unzipped. She did not feel}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 pain at the time of the alleged intercourse but she felt pain when she rose and}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 she could not walk normally. She further stated that the liquid was poured}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 on her thighs. The story as told by her mother (P. W.2) is that when the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 complainant returned home, she (the mother) observed that she was walking}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 and sitting with considerable difficulty. On examination of her private}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 parts, she saw some whitish substance there and some bruises. The doctor's}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 report (Ex. P2), which was admitted in evidence with the consent of the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 defence counsel, shows that the victim's vaginal opening had inflamation}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 and the hymen had been ruptured about five days prior to 27/9/97. The}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 doctor estimated the period which, in the circumstances of this case, puts the}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 occurrence of the defilement closer to 25/9/97. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-480\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 When this evidence is considered together as a whole, it leaves no doubt}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 that the prosecution sufficiently proved that there was penetration. We are}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 satisfied that both the trial court and the Court of Appeal correctly held that}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 } {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 the appellant had sexual intercourse with the complainant. It is the law that}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 however slight the penetration may be it will suffice to sustain a conviction}{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 for the offence of defilement. }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 (See: Adamu Mubiru - V - Uganda (Cr.}{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs27\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9834301 Appeal No. 47/97 Court of Anneal)}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 (unreported). We have anxiously}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 considered the evidence of the complainant that she had her knickers on}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 when the appellant slept with her. However, in view of her own description}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 of what happened and taken together with the medical evidence there can be}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 no doubt that there was penetration. This first ground of appeal also fails. \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par }\pard \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sb38\sa216\sl-456\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 In the result, we uphold the decision of the courts below and do dismiss the}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 }{ \cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 appeal. \par \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1690\margrsxn2338\sbknone\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid9834301\sftnbj \pard\plain \s23\qj \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li0\ri0\sb168\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9834301 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Dated at Mengo this 5}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9834301\charrsid9834301 th}{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 day of March}{ \cs32\i\scaps\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 }{\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 2002. \par }\pard\plain \s24\qj \li0\ri0\sb235\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs26\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1642\margrsxn1570\sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj \pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb163\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 A. H. O. Oder \par }\pard \s17\qc \li0\ri0\sb19\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Justice of the Supreme Court \par \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1584\margrsxn5914\sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst { \cs25\b\fs20\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid9834301 PAGE}}{\fldrslt {\cs25\b\fs20\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12942804 6}}}{\cs25\b\fs20\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid9834301 \par }}\pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb67\sl-317\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 \par J. W. N Tsekooko}{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid12942804 \par }{\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Justice of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par \par \par \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb86\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 A. N. Karokora \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb14\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Justice of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par \par \par \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb96\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 J. N. Mulenga \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb19\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Justice of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\fs20\insrsid9834301 \par \par \par \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb34\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 C. M. Kato \par }\pard \s18\qc \li0\ri0\sb24\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942804 {\cs27\b\fs26\cf1\insrsid9834301 Justice of the Supreme Court \par }}