Saabwe Abdu v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 237 of 2002) [2007] UGCA 66 (14 July 2007) | Content Filtered | Esheria

Saabwe Abdu v Uganda (Criminal Appeal No. 237 of 2002) [2007] UGCA 66 (14 July 2007)

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\rsid12222372\rsid12321144\rsid12415539\rsid13504693\rsid13655724\rsid13794269\rsid14182126\rsid14235800\rsid14880224\rsid15150689\rsid15415508\rsid15949704\rsid16475007\rsid16651565}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info {\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\author Hon. Justice C. K Byamugisha}{\operator jchemeri}{\creatim\yr2009\mo3\dy25\hr15\min19}{\revtim\yr2009\mo3\dy25\hr15\min19}{\printim\yr2007\mo5\dy10\hr15\min35}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords1680} {\nofchars9582}{\nofcharsws11240}{\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 \rsidroot8285642\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 {\insrsid1728402 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1728402 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1728402 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid1728402 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod5\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid5530623\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12222372 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid4016785 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid5977526 1}}}{\cs16\insrsid4016785 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid4016785 \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\pararsid5977526 \b\i\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\insrsid8285642\charrsid5977526 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\i0\insrsid5530623\charrsid5977526 \par }{\i0\insrsid8285642\charrsid5977526 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA \par AT KAMPALA \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\ul\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 CORAM: }{\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 HON. LADY JUSTICE L. E. M. MUKASA-KIKONYOGO, DCJ. \par HON. LADY JUDTICE C. N. B. KITUMBA, JA. \par HON. LADY JUSTICE C. K. BYAMUGISHA, JA. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\i0\ul\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 237/02 \par \par }{\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 BETWEEN \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\b0\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 SAABWE ABDU::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::APPELLANT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 AND \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\b0\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 UGANDA::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::RESPONDENT \par \par [}{\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 Appeal from conviction and sentence of the High Court of Uganda at }{\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 Kampala (}{\i0\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 Lugayizi}{\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 J) }{ \insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 dated }{\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 5}{\super\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 th}{\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 December 2002 in HCCSC No.137/01}{\b0\i0\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 ]}{ \b0\i0\insrsid5127343\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 \par \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid12222372\charrsid5977526 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid10625835\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15150689\charrsid5977526 This is an appeal against conviction and sentence.}{\b0\i0\insrsid10625835\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid15150689\charrsid5977526 The appellant was charged with defilement contrary to }{\insrsid15150689\charrsid5977526 section 129(1)}{\b0\i0\insrsid15150689\charrsid5977526 of the Penal Code Act. It was alleged in the part iculars of the indictment that on}{\b0\i0\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 14}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 September 2000 at Namalinda village in Nakasongola District unlawfully had }{ \b0\i0\insrsid10961238\charrsid5977526 sexual intercourse with Faith}{\b0\i0\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 Nanyonyi a girl under the age of 18 years.}{\b0\i0\insrsid15150689\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid10961238\charrsid5977526 The case for the prosecution as found and accepted by the trial judge is as follows. On the day in question, at about 1 p.m. the complainant}{\b0\i0\insrsid6779374\charrsid5977526 , Faith Nanyonga}{ \b0\i0\insrsid10961238\charrsid5977526 (P. W.2) was sent to the well to fetch water. She was accompanied by her sister, Topista }{\b0\i0\insrsid6779374\charrsid5977526 Nanyonyi}{\b0\i0\insrsid10961238\charrsid5977526 (P. W 3) her brother Kyenkya and another woman. These two did not testify at the trial. When they were returning home, }{\b0\i0\insrsid6779374\charrsid5977526 they met a person covered in bark cloth. He abducted the two girls and took them away. He had sexual intercourse with the complainant and the two girls identified the assailant by voice.}{\b0\i0\insrsid11100361\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid6779374\charrsid5977526 When the girls failed to return home, their father, Mbangire (P. W.4) consulted the appellant who was known in the village as a witch doctor. He advised Mbangire }{\b0\i0\insrsid8013300\charrsid5977526 to bring two goats and two chickens for sacrifice to the gods before his daughters could be returned. The goats and chickens were }{\b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 brought}{\b0\i0\insrsid8013300\charrsid5977526 taken to River Sezibwa and were sacrificed.}{\b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 The appellant went and collected the girls from the forest where they had spent the night}{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 .}{\b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 They informed their what the appellant had done to the appellant had to the complaiant.}{\b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 The matter was reporte}{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 d to the police.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 The}{\b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 appellant was arrested and charged. \par The complainant was examined by a Clinical Officer, one Samuel Kasozi (P. W. 1) who compiled a report (exhibit P.1). \par \par The appellant in his unsworn statement denied having committed the of fence. He stated that he was a witchdoctor and Mbangire was one of his regular clients. He stated that when the complainant and her sister disappeared, Mbangire consulted him. He advised him that in order to solve the problem, Mbangire had to bring two go ats and two chickens }{\b0\i0\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 for ritual sacrifice which was done. Soon thereafter, the two girls returned. He maintained that he simply did his job as a witch doctor in finding the girls.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid9439424\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 The learned trial judge with the unanimous opinion of the lady and gentleman assessor rejected his defence. He was found guilty as charged and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment hence the instant appeal. \par \par The memorandum of appeal filed on his behalf has the following grounds: \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 \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\pararsid5977526 {\i0\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact when he co nvicted the appellant of the offence of defilement when the prosecution failed to prove all the ingredients of the offence. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab} The learned trial judge erred in law and in fact when he relied on the contradictory and inconsistent evidence to convict the appellant. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}The learned trial judge did not properly evaluate the evidence on record and therefore}{ \i0\insrsid12321144\charrsid5977526 came to the wrong conclusions before convicting the appellant.}{\i0\insrsid6566034\charrsid5977526 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\b\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid12321144\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}{\i0\insrsid12321144\charrsid5977526 The sentence imposed on the appellant was excessive and unjustified in the circumstances. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\i0\insrsid12321144\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid12321144\charrsid5977526 He prayed that the appeal be allowed. The conviction quashed and the sentence set aside. In the alternative, the court should find that a minor offence of indecent assault as having been committed by the appellant and impose an alternative sentence or a reduced sen tence from that imposed by the trial court. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid14235800\charrsid5977526 \par When the appeal came before us for disposal, Mr Ntuyo-Kafuko who represented the }{\b0\i0\insrsid10435858\charrsid5977526 appellant argued the first three grounds together and last ground separately. We shall treat them in the same order.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid14235800\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4404569\charrsid5977526 The main thrust of Mr Kafuko\rquote s arguments was that the }{\b0\i0\insrsid12415539\charrsid5977526 ingredients of the offence of defilement were}{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 not proved beyond }{ \b0\i0\insrsid4404569\charrsid5977526 reasonable doubt}{\b0\i0\insrsid12415539\charrsid5977526 . He referred to the testimony of the complainant and medical evidence contained in exhibit P.1. He claimed that no penetration took pl ace. He also pointed out that contrary to what the learned trial judge found, the evidence of the clinical officer and }{\b0\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 that of the complainant contradicts}{\b0\i0\insrsid12415539\charrsid5977526 rather than compliment each other.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 It was counsel\rquote s contention that the trial judge did not evaluate the evidence properly.}{\b0\i0\insrsid4404569\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid1909193\charrsid5977526 In reply, Mr Okwanga, Principal State Attorney, supported the conviction and sentence.}{\b0\i0\insrsid14182126\charrsid5977526 He contended that the prosecution proved all the ingredients of the offence beyond reasonable doubt by the evidence on record. He asserted that t here is ample evidence that the victim experienced sexual intercourse with a man. He stated that the victim had sexual intercourse on three occasions. He contended that any slight penetration will suffice and the evidence of the victim was corroborated by medical evidence. The }{\b0\i0\insrsid11094152\charrsid5977526 inflammation found by the clinical officer, the ruptured hymen Okwanga stated, }{\b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 was}{\b0\i0\insrsid11094152\charrsid5977526 evidence that the victim suffered injury in her private parts.}{\b0\i0\insrsid1909193\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 The }{\b0\i0\insrsid11540166\charrsid5977526 prosecution called four}{\b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 witnesses to prove the indictment against the appellant. The prosecution had to prove three ingredients of the offence. These are:}{\b0\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar \jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 The age of the complainant being under 18 years of age. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}penetrative sex by a male organ into the female sex organ \par {\listtext\pard\plain\lang1033\langfe1033\langnp1033\langfenp1033\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}Participation of the appellant. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 As for the age of the complainant, ther e was no birth certificate produced to prove her age. But there was other evidence to prove her age. The complainant gave evidence and stated that she was 14 years of age. She was not challenged in cross-examination.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid11540166\charrsid5977526 Moses Mbangire, the father of the compl ainant stated that she was 11 years old. He, too, was not challenged in cross- examination. Kasozi, a clinical officer at Nakasongola Hospital examined the complainant. He put her age at }{\b0\i0\insrsid16651565\charrsid5977526 13 years. }{ \b0\i0\insrsid5702292\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid16651565\charrsid5977526 The law requires the prosecution to prove that the complai nant was under the apparent age of 18 years of age at the time the offence was committed. What is needed is evidence to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the complainant was under the apparent age of 18 years. The law does not require the prosecutio n to prove the exact age of the complainant. \par \par In the matter now before us, the evidence that was adduced by the prosecution and which was not contested by the defence at the trial proved the age of the complainant as being under 18 years. Mr Kafuko did not point out to us where the trial judge erred in his findings as far as the age of the complainant is concerned. On a proper appraisal of the evidence, we are satisfied that the prosecution discharged the burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt the age of the complainant being under 18 years.}{\b0\i0\insrsid7300005\charrsid5977526 \par \par The second ingredient that the prosecution is required to prove is penetrative sex.}{\b0\i0\insrsid13504693\charrsid5977526 As Mr Okwanga rightly pointed out, the slightest penetration will suffice. Once it is proved that a male sex organ penetrated a female }{\b0\i0\insrsid8737951\charrsid5977526 sex organ however slight the penetration is, the offence is complete.}{ \b0\i0\insrsid13504693\charrsid5977526 }{\b0\i0\insrsid16651565\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8737951\charrsid5977526 \par The prosecution adduced the evidence of three witnesses namely the complainant, her sister and Kasozi.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 In giving her version of events, the complainant at page 11 of the record of proceedings said:-}{ \b0\i0\insrsid8737951\charrsid5977526 \par }{\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \'93It was after crossing that expanse of water when the man inserted his sexual organ in my sexual organ. The man\rquote s sexual organ was on surface of my sexual organ I could not fit in. I felt pain in my private parts. I did not bleed\'94. \par \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 Later she said:- \par \par }{\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \'93The following morning he again had sexual intercourse with us\'94}{\insrsid8793532\charrsid5977526 \'85\'85\'85..}{\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \par }{\insrsid8793532\charrsid5977526 \par \'93We spent 4 days }{\insrsid2955181\charrsid5977526 at accused\rquote s}{\insrsid8793532\charrsid5977526 home. He had sexual intercourse with me 2 times at his home\'94. \par }{\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid2955181\charrsid5977526 In cross-examination, the witness stated that the appellant tried to penetrate her but failed. \par The physical examination of the complainant on 20}{\b0\i0\super\insrsid2955181\charrsid5977526 th}{\b0\i0\insrsid2955181\charrsid5977526 October 2000 revealed a raptured hymen, injuries and inflammations around the private parts. The injuries and the rapture of the hymen were stated to be four days old.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid4016785\charrsid5977526 He, too, was cross-examined. His findings as to the injuries and the raptured hymen were not challenged. \par When the two gir}{\b0\i0\insrsid12199839\charrsid5977526 ls returned from the bush, they were taken to the home of the appellant because he claimed according to the evidence of Mbangire that they were possessed o f evil spirits and he wanted to treat them. The girls spent the night at the home of the appellant and the next day, Mbangire and other people visited the girls at the home of the appellant. When they were questioned as to what had happened, the complaina nt revealed in the presence of the appellant that he had had sexual intercourse with her. The appellant was immediately arrested and taken to police.}{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 The evidence of these witnesses proves beyond reasonable doubt that there was penetrative sex. }{\b0\i0\insrsid4016785\charrsid5977526 }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 Like}{\b0\i0\insrsid4016785\charrsid5977526 the tr ial judge we are satisfied that the prosecution proved the second ingredient of the offence to the standard required by law. \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid12199839\charrsid5977526 \par The last ingredient was the participation of the appellant. Mbangire in his evidence stated that when he learnt about the abduction of the girls he went round the village and informed }{\b0\i0\insrsid13655724\charrsid5977526 the people what had happened. A search was mounted and it yielded nothing. At about 8 p.m. the appellant came to his house and told him not to panic. He asked for two goats and two chickens for sacrifice.}{\b0\i0\insrsid12199839\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid13655724\charrsid5977526 The next day the items were procured and handed to the appellant. He led the witness and other people to the well and went into the swamp. He returned with the two girls. \par \par The appellant in his defence claimed that he performed his duty as a witch doctor in recovering the girls. In other words he used magical powers to trace the girls. Learned counsel for the appellant did not address on the last ingredient of the offence}{ \b0\i0\insrsid944404\charrsid5977526 . This means that he did not challenge the trial judge\rquote s findings about the participation of the appellant in the commission of the offence. }{\b0\i0\insrsid13655724\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid944404\charrsid5977526 The evidence on record implicating the appellant in the commission of the offence is overwhelming. He knew where the girls were because he the one who abducted them. He confidently advised the father of the girls not to panic. The last ingredient of the offence was proved beyond reasonable doubt. \par \par As for the sentence, an appellate court will not normally interfere with exercise of discretion by a trial court except where it is shown that there was failure to take into account}{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 some mitigating factor or}{ \b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 that the sentence is illegal, harsh or }{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 excessive in the circumstances of the case.}{\b0\i0\insrsid944404\charrsid5977526 \par }{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 \par The sentence imposed by the court was not illegal. It was not shown to us that }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 t}{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 here was failure on the part of the tria l judge to consider any mitigating factor. It has not been shown that the sentence was}{\b0\i0\insrsid13794269\charrsid5977526 illegal,}{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 harsh or excessive in the }{\b0\i0\insrsid8020764\charrsid5977526 circumstances. }{\b0\i0\insrsid5130443\charrsid5977526 The complainant was still a very young girl at the time the offence was committed. We find the sentence imposed appropriate and we shall not interfere with it. \par In the result, this appeal fails in its entirety. \par }{\insrsid8673380\charrsid5977526 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5977526 {\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 Dated at Kampala this}{\i0\insrsid11754266\charrsid5977526 14}{\i0\super\insrsid11754266\charrsid5977526 th }{\i0\insrsid11754266\charrsid5977526 }{\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 day of}{\i0\insrsid11754266\charrsid5977526 July }{\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 2007 \par L. E. M. Mukasa- Kikonyogo \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 Deputy Chief Justice \par \par }{\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 \par C. N. B. Kitumba \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 Justice of Appeal \par \par }{\i0\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 \par C. K. Byamugisha \par }{\i0\ul\insrsid1311765\charrsid5977526 Justice of Appeal \par }}