Nuwabune Nathan v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 132 of 2002) [2005] UGCA 9 (18 January 2005)

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\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\nojkernpunct\rsidroot12213386 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12213386 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12213386 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12213386 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid12213386 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod5\linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs19\insrsid12213386 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs19\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5903287 1}}}{\cs19\insrsid12213386 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid12213386 \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\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 IN THE COURT OF APPEA OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par CORAM:\tab HON. JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE S. G. ENGWAU, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE C. N. B. KITUMBA, JA. \par \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\ul\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 132 OF 2002 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par NUWABUNE }{\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 NATHAN:}{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: APPELLANT \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 VERSUS \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 UGANDA:}{ \b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 : RESPONDENT}{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\i\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 [an appeal from conviction and jusgement of the high \par court at Mbarara (Mugamba, J.) dated 20}{\b\i\fs24\super\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 th}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 August, 2002 \par in HCC Case No. mmb o428of 200] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par \par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 JUDGMENT OF THE COUET \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }\pard\plain \s16\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 This is an appeal against both the conviction and sentence for the offence of defilement contrary to section 129 (1) of the Penal Code Act. \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par The facts were that during the month of February, 2000 the victim Nabada Evelyn (PW1) was sent by her mother Nyakahara Nora (PW2) to sell sorghum in Kabuyanda }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 Market.}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The appellant Nuwabine }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 Nathan}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 met her in the market from where he seduced her for marriage. He took her to his village at Kyesimbire Kikagati sub-county in Mbarara District where he defiled he r. He stayed with the girl for about 2 week before being arrested by the police. He was in the house with the girl at the time of his arrest. He made a charge and caution statement before D/IP Tirugira Damson (PW3) admitting having sexual intercourse w ith PW1. \par \par At the trial, the appellant denied the offence and knowledge of the victim. He also denied making the statement to PW3. His defence was rejected and he was convicted as charged and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment hence this appeal on the follo wing grounds:- \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s17 \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s17\qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The learned trial judge misdirected himself when he relied on the weakness of the defence case as the basis of his decision to convict the appeellant. \par }\pard\plain \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 { \b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The trial judge erred in law when he handed down a very excessively harsh sentence of eight (8) years. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The learned trial judge erred in fact and law when he convicted the appellant using uncorroborated evidence of prosecution witnesses. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The learned trial judged erred in law and fact when he held appellant guilty of defilement. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact when he failed to correctly evaluate the appellant\rquote s }{\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 evidence.}{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx1440{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0 \pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 That the learned trial judge erred in law and fact in relying on prosecution evidence which was full of contradictions and discrepancies and went ahead to convict the appellant. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 At the commencement of the hearing of this appeal, Mr. Robert Tumwiine, learned counsel for the appellant, abandoned grounds 1, 3, 4 and 5 and argued grounds 2 and 6 separately, beginning with ground 6 first. \par \par On ground 6, the compla int is that the leaned trial judge erred in relying on the prosecution evidence that was riddled with major contradictions in convicting the appellant. Mr. Timwiine pointed out the following contradictions as being major which should have been resolved i n favour of the appellant: \par \par First, that PW1 stated that she went to the market with her brother, one Stefano Omunyesiga whereas her mother, PW2, stated that the girl went to the market with another brother called Francisco Nuwagaba. In counsel\rquote s view, that }{ \fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 contradiction shows}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 that either PW1 or PW2 deliberately lies to court. \par \par Secondly, that PW1 stated that the brother she went with to the market did not know where she went with the appellant. On the other hand, PW2 stated that it was the brother who info rmed them where PW1 had gone with the appellant. Mr. Tumwiine contended that the contradiction should have been resolved in favour of the }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 appellant.}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par \par Thirdly, that PW1 stated that the distance from the market to her }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 home (}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 about \'bd km.) was shorter than the distance from the market to appellant\rquote s home. PW2, however, stated that the distance from the market to her home was about 10 miles. \par \par Lastly, that PW1 stated that she had sexual intercourse with the appellant for 2 weeks whereas the doctor, PW4, stated that there were no signs suggestive of recent sexual intercourse though her hymen had ruptured several months before. In counsel \rquote s view, the contradictions were major which went to the root of the case and they should have been resolved in favour of the appellant because either PW1 or PW2 or both deliberately told court lies which put their credibility into question. \par \par Ms Nabasa Caroline, learned State Attorney, did not agree. She submitted that there were no contradictions in the evidence of the prosecut ion witnesses, especially in the evidence of PW1 and her mother, PW2. In her view, when PW1 stated that her brother did not know where the appellant took her was not a contradiction when P W2 stated that it was a brother who informed them that PW1 had be en taken. \par \par On the issue of the distance from the market to the home of the appellant, Ms Nabasa submitted that PW2 stated that it was far and PW1 stated that it was farther. In view of the fact that PW1 was a girl of tender age her evidence should not be t aken as a deliberate lie, Nabasa contended. The only contradiction she conceded to is which brother PW1 went with to the market. However, in her view, that was a minor contradiction. \par \par On the question of a medical report, Ms Nabasa submitted that the repo rt did not contradict the evidence of PW1. The victim stated that the appellant had sexual intercourse with her during the month of February, 2000 and she was examined on 25-4-2000. Learned State Attorney submitted that in the charge and caution stateme nt, the appellant admitted having sexual intercourse with the girl. The statement was not contested. In her view, the learned trial judge was right to rely on it. \par \par We have taken }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 consideration of}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 the alleged contradictions in the evidence of the prosecuti on witnesses. We hold the view that considering the tender age of the victim and lapse of time, her evidence should not be taken as a deliberate lie. In her testimony, PW1 stated categorically that she had sex with the appellant. In the charge and caut ion statement, the appellant admitted having sexual intercourse with her. The statement was admitted in evidence without any contest. Whether PW1 went to the market with brother \'93x\'94 or \'93y\'94 is immaterial, Whether brother \'93x\'94 or \'93y \'94 informed PW2 where the appellant took PW1 or brother \'93x\'94 or \'93y\'94 did not know where PW1 was taken was irrelevant. The distance from the market to appellant\rquote s home or from the market to PW1\rquote s home is immaterial. To the contrary the medical report does not contradict the evidence of PW1. It corroborates her evidence, according to our finding. \par \par All in all, we find the alleged contradictions minor and the learned trial judge was justified to ignore them. We, therefore, find no merit in the 6}{\fs24\super\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 th}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 ground of this appeal. \par \par As regards the 2}{\fs24\super\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 nd}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 ground, the complaint is that the sentence of 8 years was excessively harsh in the circumstances of the case. Mr. Tumwiine submitted that the appellant was a first offender without any previous record. He was 20 years old and bread winner in the family. He was remorseful and has spent 2 \'bd years on remand. In these circumstances, Mr. Tumwiine contended that a lenient sentence leading to an immediate release should have been imposed. \par \par Ms Nabasa did not agree. She submitted that the offence of def ilement under section 129 (1) of the Penal Code Act attracts a maximum sentence of death. The sentence of 8 years in prison is not only lenient but also appropriate in the circumstances of the case. The victim was a girl of 11 years at the trial and was a pupil of primary 3 and yet the appellant was 20 years old. \par \par In her view, alleged loss of parents was an afterthought because the appellant was staying with the mother with no brothers or sisters at the material time. \par \par Imposition of a sentence is }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 discretion}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 of the trial court. We can only interfere with it on appeal if the sentence was passed on wrong principle or was manifestly excessive and harsh. }{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 See James s/o Yovan v R (1951) 18 EACA 147.}{ \fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 None of the above conditions are available in the present case. The mitigating factors raised by counsel for the appellant were duly considered by the learned trial judge }{\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 learned}{\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 counsel for the appellant did not cite any authority to convince us to the contrary. We are, therefore, unable to interfere with the sentence. \par \par In the result, this appeal is dismissed for lack of merit. \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 Dated at Kampala this }{\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 19}{\b\fs24\super\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 th}{\b\fs24\insrsid5903287\charrsid5903287 day}{\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 of January 2005. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE \par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par \par S. G. ENGWAU \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par \par C. N. B. KITUMBA \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5903287 {\b\fs24\ul\insrsid12213386\charrsid5903287 \par }}