Owere Joseph v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 279 of 2002) [2007] UGCA 65 (7 July 2007)

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Justice C. K Byamugisha}{\operator jchemeri}{\creatim\yr2009\mo3\dy25\hr15\min5}{\revtim\yr2009\mo3\dy25\hr15\min5}{\printim\yr2007\mo5\dy4\hr12\min17}{\version2} {\edmins0}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords1810}{\nofchars10323}{\nofcharsws12109}{\vern24689}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace120 \dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow2\dgvshow2 \jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct\asianbrkrule\rsidroot94604\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15412164 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15412164 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15412164 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15412164 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod5\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid5584435\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10967476 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid11165985 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16060547 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid11165985 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid11165985 \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\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\insrsid94604\charrsid16060547 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\i0\insrsid5530623\charrsid16060547 \par }{\i0\insrsid94604\charrsid16060547 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA \par AT KAMPALA \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\ul\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 CORAM:}{\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 HON. LADY JUSTICE A. E. N. MPAGI-BAHIGEINE, JA. \par }{\insrsid7410886\charrsid16060547 HON. LADY JUSTICE C. N. B. KITU}{\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 MBA, JA. \par HON. LADY JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA, JA. \par \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\i0\ul\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.279/02 \par \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\b0\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 OWERE JOSEPH::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::APPELLANT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 AND \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\b0\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 UGANDA::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::RESPONDENT \par \par }{\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 [}{\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 Appeal from the judgment of the High Court of Uganda sitting at Tororo (}{\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 Rugadya- Atwoki J}{\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 ) dated 8}{ \super\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 th}{\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 April 2002 in Criminal Session Case No. 143/01] \par \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 Owere Joseph, the appellant, has filed the instant appeal against his conviction and sentence.}{\b0\i0\insrsid16453879\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 He w}{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 as charged with the offence of d}{\b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 efilement contrary to }{\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 section 129(1)}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 of the Penal Code Act. It was alleged in the particulars of the indictment that on the 11}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 November 2000 at Sere \lquote A \rquote village in Tororo District, the appellant had unlawful sexual intercourse with Nyadoi Grace, a girl under the age of 18 years. \par On his arraignment he pleaded not guilty.}{\b0\i0\insrsid5584435\charrsid16060547 The prosecution called a total of witnesses in their attempt to prove the indictment. The appellant gave testimony on oath and called his wife to testify on his behalf.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13852607\charrsid16060547 }{\b0\i0\insrsid5584435\charrsid16060547 \par \par The case for the prosecution as accepted by the trial court}{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 is that}{\b0\i0\insrsid6642919\charrsid16060547 the complainant and her siblings were left at home by their parents. On the day in question the complainant woke up }{\b0\i0\insrsid12998128\charrsid16060547 at about midnight and found the appellant on top of her having sexual intercourse with her. She tried to raise an alarm but the appellant prevented her by threatening to cut her with a }{\b0\insrsid12998128\charrsid16060547 panga.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14640777\charrsid16060547 The sister of the complainant}{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 ,}{\b0\i0\insrsid14640777\charrsid16060547 Florence Kigeni (P. W.4)}{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 ,}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14640777\charrsid16060547 lit a match but it was immediately put out by the appellant.}{\b0\i0\insrsid5253252\charrsid16060547 Apparently}{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 ,}{\b0\i0\insrsid5253252\charrsid16060547 the appellant stayed in the house until dawn.}{\b0\i0\insrsid5584435\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid5253252\charrsid16060547 When the mother of the }{\b0\i0\insrsid14904233\charrsid16060547 complainant, Eunice}{\b0\i0\insrsid5253252\charrsid16060547 Nyachwo (P. W.2) returned, she found her sick, with great pain and unable to walk. She examined her and found sperms in her private parts, blood and an apparent rupture. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14904233\charrsid16060547 She reported the matter}{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 to the area Local C}{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 ouncil 1 C}{\b0\i0\insrsid7546800\charrsid16060547 hairperson who gave her a}{ \b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 letter to take to Paya Police P}{\b0\i0\insrsid7546800\charrsid16060547 ost. She got no assistance. She reported the matter to Tororo Police Station. The appellant was arrested and charged. }{ \b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid7546800\charrsid16060547 The complainant was }{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 examined at}{\b0\i0\insrsid7546800\charrsid16060547 Tororo Hospital and a medical report compiled by Dr Lawrence Opio}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 of the same hospital was tendered in evidence as exhibit P.1 under the provisions of }{\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 section 66}{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 of the }{ \insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 Trial on Indictments Act.}{\insrsid14640777\charrsid16060547 \par }{\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 In his defence the appellant stated that he was framed because there was a grudge between him and the mother of the complainant}{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 over a debt of shs 30,000/= she owed him.} {\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 He called his wife, Siprosa Nyafamba (D. W.2) to support his story of the debt. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 The trial judge}{\b0\i0\insrsid16648875\charrsid16060547 with the unanimous advice from the assessors}{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 rejected the defence and convicted him as charged. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid7617352\charrsid16060547 His appeal to this C}{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 ourt is based on one ground namely}{\b0\i0\insrsid16648875\charrsid16060547 :-}{\b0\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 \par }{\i0\insrsid16648875\charrsid16060547 \'93}{\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 The learned trial judge erred in law and in fact when he failed to evaluate the evidence on record thereby arriving at an erroneous decision.}{ \i0\insrsid16648875\charrsid16060547 \'94}{\i0\insrsid14625965\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid16648875\charrsid16060547 His prayer was that the appeal be allowed and the sentence be set aside. \par }{\insrsid16674761\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 Mr }{\b0\i0\insrsid939312\charrsid16060547 Ambrose Tishekwa, learned counsel for the appellant, submitted that the offence was committed at night and it was dark. There was no light whatsoever except the match which was lit and blown out by the assailant. Counsel stated that facto rs favoring correct identification were absent and}{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 that}{\b0\i0\insrsid939312\charrsid16060547 therefore the two children who were with the victim could not give credible evidence regarding}{ \b0\i0\insrsid8662234\charrsid16060547 identification.}{\b0\i0\insrsid14558496\charrsid16060547 He pointed out that the trial judge should have evaluated the evidence to iron out the possibility of error.}{\b0\i0\insrsid10953293\charrsid16060547

\par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14558496\charrsid16060547 He contended that the evidence of the victim needed corroboration.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8456639\charrsid16060547 He pointed out that there was no independent evidence save medical evidence which did not implicate the appellant.}{\b0\i0\insrsid14558496\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8456639\charrsid16060547 On identification, counsel cited to us the case of Abdallah}{\insrsid8456639\charrsid16060547 Bin Wendo &another v R (1953) 20 EACA 166}{\b0\i0\insrsid8456639\charrsid16060547 for the legal proposition that although a fact can be proved by the testimony of a single witness, this does not lessen the need to test with the greatest care the evidence of such witness especially when co nditions for correct identification are difficult. In such circumstances \'93other evidence is needed }{\b0\i0\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 pointing to the guilt of the appellant, counsel argued.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8456639\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 Another authority cited by counsel was }{\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 Hitler Ojasi v Uganda SCCA No.1/86}{\b0\i0\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 . At page 6 of the judgment the court said: \par }{\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 \'93 These were then said to be unfavorable factors. The attack took place at night; the witnesses were taken by surprise; they were frightened and feared for their lives; and there occurred a flurry of activities. The witnesses were being take n out of their houses and two were assaulted i.e Joyce raped and Gabriel hit with a butt. They would not therefore be in a calm frame of mind to recognize the appellant\'94. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid939312\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8158059\charrsid16060547 Finally learned counsel submitted that it is the duty of this court as the first appellate court to re- hear the case and come to an independent decision.}{\b0\i0\insrsid4481490\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4810011\charrsid16060547 \par Mr Vicent Okwanga, Principal State Attorney, in responding to the above submissions supported the conviction and sentence.}{\b0\i0\insrsid10748820\charrsid16060547 He supported the trial judge\rquote s eva}{\b0\i0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 luation of evidence on reco rd and for reaching the correct decision. He pointed out that the two eye witnesses correctly identified the appellant. On conditions prevailing at the time, the learned Principal State Attorney asserted that they favored correct identification. The condi tions existing at the time according to him were the following:}{\b0\i0\insrsid4810011\charrsid16060547 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\b0\i0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 The appellant was not a stranger to the witnesses. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}The witnesses were in close proximity. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}They exchanged words with the appellant. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}There were different sources of light- the match which was lit before being put out by the appellant was sufficient for the witnesses to see the }{\b0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 panga.}{\b0\i0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}After the act the appellant sat in the door way and remained there till dawn and there is always natural light at dawn.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\b0\i0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \par On corroboration, Mr Okwanga submitted}{\b0\i0\insrsid15338250\charrsid16060547 that i t is not a legal requirement but a matter of practice. Once a trial judge warns himself and the assessors and is satisfied that the two witnesses are telling the truth, a conviction can be based on their evidence.}{\b0\i0\insrsid5126754\charrsid16060547 He pointed out that there was corroboration of the victim\rquote s evidence because she told her parents immediately they returned home and she was distressed. Her distressed condition provides consistency}{\b0\i0\insrsid4349884\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid5126754\charrsid16060547 On the case of }{\insrsid5126754\charrsid16060547 Hitler Ojasi}{\b0\i0\insrsid5126754\charrsid16060547 cited by Mr Tishekwa, Mr Okwanga submitted that it is distinguishable f rom the instant appeal because there was no flurry of activities mentioned in this appeal. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 He asserted that the prosecution adduced enough evidence to put the appellant at the scene of crime. \par He invited us to dismiss the appeal. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 \par The legal principles which guide an appellate court when it is considering an appeal of this nature are reflected in a number of legislations. The legislations in question are }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 Rule 30(1) }{ \b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 of the }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 Judicature (Court of Appeal Rules (Directions)}{\b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 S. I. 13-10}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 and }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 section 34(1)}{\b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 of the }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 Criminal Procedure Code (Cap 116).}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 The said section provides as follows: \par \par }{\insrsid13834948\charrsid16060547 \'93The appellate court on any appeal against conviction shall allow the appeal if it thinks that the judgment should be set aside on the ground that it is unreasonable or cannot be supporte d having regard to the evidence or that it should be set aside on the grounds of a wrong decision on any question of law if such decision has in fact caused a miscarriage of justice, and in any other case shall dismiss the appeal. \par \par Provided that the Court shall, notwithstanding that it is of the opinion that the point raised in the appeal might be decided in favour of the appellant, dismiss the appeal if it considers no substantial miscarriage of justice has actually occurred.\'94

\par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 \par }{\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 The duty of the first appellate court was re- stated in the case of }{\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 Okeno v Republic [1972] EA 32.}{\b0\i0\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 At page 36 the court said: \par \par }{\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 \'93An appellant on first appeal is entitled to expect the evidence as a whole to be submitted to a fresh and exhaustive examination (}{\i0\ul\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 Pandya v R [1957] EA 336) }{ \insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 and to the appellate court\rquote s own decision on the evidence. The first appellate court must itself weigh conflicting evidence and draw its own }{\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 conclusions}{ \i0\ul\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 (}{\i0\ul\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 Shantilal Ruwalo v R [1957] EA 570)}{\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 . It is not the function of the first appellate court merely to scrutini}{ \insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 ze the evidence to see if there was some evidence to support the lower court\rquote s findings and conclusions; it must make findings and draw its own conclusions. Only then can it decide whether the magistrate\rquote s findings should be supported. In doing so, it should make allowance for the fact that the trial court has the advantage of hearing and seeing the witnesses, see }{\i0\ul\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 Peters v Sunday Post [1958] EA 424\'94.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid10617794\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 \par The above passage was quoted with approval by the Supreme Court in the case of }{\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 Kifamunte Henry v Uganda SSCA No.10/97}{\b0\i0\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 (unreported)}{\b0\i0\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11685864\charrsid16060547 \par With the above legal proposition in mind, we shall proceed to consider the evidence adduced by the prosecution to prove the charge against the appellant. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 The prosecution\rquote s depended on visual identification of the appellants by the two identifying witnesses although one of them was a child of tender years. The Supreme Court in the case of }{ \insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 Bogere Moses &another v Uganda SCCA No. 1/97}{\b0\i0\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 (unreported) gave guidelines on the approach to be taken in dealing with evidence of identifica tion by eye witnesses in criminal cases. At page 11 of the judgment the Court said: \par \par }{\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 \'93The starting point is that the court ought to satisfy itself from the evidence whether conditions under which the identification is claimed to have been were or were not difficult, and to warn itself of the possibility of mistaken identity. The court then should proceed to evaluate the evidence cautiously so that}{\insrsid9455159\charrsid16060547 it does not convict or uphold a conviction, unless it is satisfied that mistaken identity is ruled out. In so doing the court must consider the evidence as a whole, namely the evidence of any factors }{\insrsid2915850\charrsid16060547 favoring}{ \insrsid9455159\charrsid16060547 correct identification together with those rendering it difficult\'94.}{\insrsid996320\charrsid16060547 \par }{\insrsid9455159\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid9455159\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid2915850\charrsid16060547 Turning to the facts of this appeal, it is common ground that the offence took place at night. The appellant entered the house by cutting the nail which the occupants had used to fasten the door. The two identifying witnesses together with their brother were fast asleep. The complainant woke up to find the appellant on top of her having sexu al intercourse with her. The room was dark. These factors rendered identification difficult. \par There were factors which favored correct identification, the appellant and the identifying witnesses knew each other very well. They were village mates}{\b0\i0\insrsid5250060\charrsid16060547 . The appell ant stayed with the witnesses for a considerable length of time and they at least talked to each other when the appellant was warning them not to tell anybody about what had happened. The only source of light was a match which was lit by Florence Kigeni ( P. W.4). This was blown out by the appellant but it enabled the two witnesses to see the }{\b0\insrsid5250060\charrsid16060547 panga}{\b0\i0\insrsid5250060\charrsid16060547 which the appellant had.}{\b0\i0\insrsid2915850\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11172720\charrsid16060547 The testimony of the identifying witnesses was not challenged in cross-examination by counsel who represented the appellant in the lower court.}{\b0\i0\insrsid15338250\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11172720\charrsid16060547 The appellant did not account for his activities on the night in question. Contrary to what the learned trial judge stated in his judgment, the appellant did not raise the defence of alibi.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 The defence of alibi is raised when an accused person alleges that he was in another place at the time when the offence with which he is charged was committed.}{\b0\i0\insrsid11172720\charrsid16060547 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 In the instant appeal the appellant and his witness testified about the debt of a pig that the mother of the complainant allegedly owed them. The witness wa s not cross-examined about the debt. The defence of a debt was in our view an afterthought. \par \par We are satisfied on the evidence available that the learned trial judge evaluated the evidence properly and reached the right decision by finding the appellant guilty as charged. Consequently his appe}{\b0\i0\insrsid15169688\charrsid16060547 al to this court fails.}{\b0\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 \par We uphold the appellant\rquote s conviction. As for the sentence, counsel did not address us on the sentence and we shall not interfere with it. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 Dated at Kampala this}{\i0\insrsid12350011\charrsid16060547 7}{ \i0\super\insrsid12350011\charrsid16060547 th}{\i0\insrsid12350011\charrsid16060547 }{\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 day of}{\i0\insrsid12350011\charrsid16060547 July }{\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 2007. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16060547 {\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 A. E. N. Mpagi- Bahigeine \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 Justice of Appeal \par \par \par }{\i0\insrsid7410886\charrsid16060547 C. N . B Kitumba}{\i0\insrsid11165985\charrsid16060547 \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid7410886\charrsid16060547 Justice of Appeal \par }{\i0\insrsid7410886\charrsid16060547 \par \par C. K. Byamugisha \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid7410886\charrsid16060547 Justice of Appeal \par }}