Uganda v Kalimunda John & 2 Ors (Criminal Session Case No. 47 of 2000) (Criminal Session Case No. 47 of 2000) [2000] UGHC 8 (7 April 2000)

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{\insrsid12876269 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11411515\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxr\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1069983 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid12876269 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid8419846 1}}}{\cs17\insrsid12876269 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri360\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin360\lin0\itap0\pararsid12876269 {\insrsid12876269 \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\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid4457040 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \line IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGAN}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 DA \line AT THE SESSION HOLDEN AT MU}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 BENDE \line CRIMINAL SESSION CASE NO. 47 OF 2000 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid4457040 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 UGANDA }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 PROSECUTOR }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid4457040 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 VERSUS \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid4457040 {\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 1. KALIMI}{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 NDA }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040\charrsid11411515 JOHN]}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 \line }{ \b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 2. BYARUHANGA}{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040\charrsid11411515 ALEX]}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040\charrsid11411515 :}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 ::::::::::::::::::::::}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 ACCUSED \line 3. JUNNY }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040\charrsid11411515 RICHARDS]}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 BEFORE: }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid4457040 THE HON. MR.}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 AG. JUSTICE }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 PAUL}{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 K. MUGAMBA \line }{ \b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }{\b\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 JUDGMENT }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The three accused persons were indicted for murder contrary to sections 183 and 184 of the Penal Code Act. In support of its case the prosecution called a total }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 of 4 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 witnesses. They were Mary Nalongo Nakabu (PW1), Henry Kiggundu (PW2), Dr. Ochan Banda (PW3), No. 25835 D/C Wakubaruho Herbert (PW4). The accused persons opted to make no statements and called no witnesses. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid4457040 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14490032 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 In summary the prosecution case is as follow s. On the night of 27}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid4457040 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998 at about 8 p.m A.2 and A.3 went to the home of PW1 where they bought two bottles of tonto which they took away with them. When they arrived at the home of PW1 they had found the deceased there. They found her in the proce}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid12876269 ss of leaving. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 A.3 offered the deceased some tonto but the deceased declined. The deceased was intent on leavin}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 g and left PW1\rquote s home ahead of }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 A2 and A3. A short time later A2 and A3 also left and went following the direction the deceased had taken. PW 1 heard the deceased and the two accused conversing animatedly as, together, they went away. The deceased was going to Nonve to visit her mother. The two accused were going to their house which is before Nonve. Two days later the deceased\rquote s body was recovered some distance from the house of the accused. The three accused were arrested and indicted for the murder of the deceased. As I have already stated the accused persons opted to make no statement and called no witnesses. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 In order for the prosecution to secure a conviction in a case of murder it must prove four ingredients beyond reasonable doubt. The ingredients are: \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (a) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 that the deceased is dead; \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (b) }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 that her death was unlawful; \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (c) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 that the person who caused the deceased\rquote s death did so with malice aforethought; and \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (d) }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \tab }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 that it was the accused who caused the deceased\rquote s death. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 I must now discuss the above ingredients in relation to the evidence on record. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14490032 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Regarding the first ingredient,}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 all the prosecution witnesses }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 have testified that Regina Nakal}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 yango died. The post mortem }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 report is further evidence }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 of this. I find that the first }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 ingredient has been proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 As to the second ingredient, it is a legal presumption that where a person is killed such kil ling is murder unless such death was brought about in circumstances which show that it was accidental or that it occurred in the process of self defence, defence of another, defence of property or in execution of a lawful sentence. The case of }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 R Vs Gusambizi Wesonga }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (1948) 15 EACA 65 refers. In the instant case it is contended by the prosecution that deceased was strangled. The post mortem report gives the cause of death as strangulation. Since the exceptions given above are not present in this case I am in clined to hold that the prosecution has succeeded in proving the second ingredient of the offence of murder. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Concerning the third ingredient, malice aforethought is described under section 186 of the Penal Code Act. It is an intention to kill or knowledge that the act or omission causing death will probably cause the death of some person. In establishing whether malice aforethought is present in a given case court takes the following into account: \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (a) the nature of weapon used in causing death; \line (b) the number of injuries inflicted upon the victim; \line (c) the part of the body where such injury was inflicted; and \line (d) the conduct of the killer before and after the death. \line \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14490032 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 case}{\i\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 of }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 R Vs Tubere s/o}{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Ochen }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 (1945) 12 EACA 63 refers. According to the post mortem report the cause of death was strangulation. Whoever strangled the deceased certainly knew death would result. The prosecution has proved the third ingredient beyond reasonable doubt. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The fo}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 u}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 rth ingredient relates to whether the accused caused the deceased \rquote s death. The accused persons were indicted for the murder of the deceased because A2 and A3 had been seen to leave the home of PW1 with the deceased on the night of 27}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998. It is also the state case that the body was found lying in the vicinit y of the house occupied by A2 and A3. The state also gave evidence that there were footmarks leading from the place where the body lay towards the house occupied by A2 and A3. The state also gave evidence to the effect that pieces of cloth from the deceas ed\rquote s sash were picked along a track leading from the place where the body lay to the house of A2 and A3. All this is circumstantial evidence. The law on circumstantial evidence was laid out in }{ \ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Simon Musoke Vs R }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 [1958] EA 715 where the Court of Appeal held t hat in a case depending exclusively upon circumstantial evidence court must find before deciding upon conviction that the inculpatory facts were incompatible with the innocence of the accused and incapable of explanation upon any other reasonable hypothes is than that of guilt. The same court quoted with approved the case of }{\ul\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Teper Vs R }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 [19521 A. C 480,489 where it is stated: \line }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid7999059 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \'93}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 It is also necessary before drawing the inference of the accused\rquote s guilt from circumstantial evidence to be sure that there are no other co - existing circumstances which would weaken or destroy the inference\'94. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14490032 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 A2 and A3 were seen to leave PW1\rquote s house in the company of the deceased on the night of 27}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998. According to PW1 there was no bad blood between the deceased and any of the accused. In fact A3 had offered her a drink. The body was not found the next day but the day after. Deceased was proceeding to the house of her mother which is after that of A2 and A3. The prosecution has not ruled out the likelihood of her having continued on her journey, after she parted company with A2 and A3, and having arrived safely at her mother\rquote s house. The body was examined by PW3 on 29}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998 and it was described as fresh. The deceased had been with the accused persons on 27}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998. It is possible the deceased could have died on 28}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998 or early 29}{\lang1033\langfe2057\super\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid7999059 th}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 July, 1998 and not necessarily at the hands of the accused. According to PW4 accused\rquote s house was 600 metres from the body. Yet there was another house which was nearer, 200 m etres from the body. It is also not clear whether the footmarks had not been those of the people who had gone to the house seeking to arrest the accused who were generally known as Bakiga. Mention has also been made of pieces of cloth which had been found from the deceased\rquote s sash. These were not exhibited and no one could state positively whether they actually originated from the original cloth. According to PW4 there were signs of disturbance and when he was asked }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 what these were he stated they }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 looked like a scene where chicken had scratched. I did not find this an impressive description especially so coming as it did from a police investigative officer. Each of the three accused persons was examined by PW3 who found abrasions on each of their backs. P W3 said scratches is the ordinary language for abrasions. That being so and given their status in life, scratches could have originated from the effect of parasites like lice and bed bugs. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 Without prejudice to the above, the position of Al in this case is unique. He was not with A2 and A3 on the night in issue. Yet he was arrested and indicted. There is no evidence on record implicating Al. Yet he was implicated together with A2 and A3. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The accused made no statement in their defence as they are entitled to do. I find the prosecution has failed to place them at the scene of crime. \line }{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The assessors have given me their opinion which was joint. They advised me to find the accused persons not guilty of the indictment and to have them acquitted. For the reasons I h ave already given I agree with their opinion. \line }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 \par }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 The three accused are hereby acquitted. }{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid8419846 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8419846 Paul K. Mugamba }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 AG. }{\b\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 JUDGE}{ \lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid7999059 07/04/2}{\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 000 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa240\sbauto1\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1\pararsid14490032 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14490032 \fs24\lang2057\langfe2057\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp2057 {\lang1033\langfe2057\langnp1033\insrsid8027481\charrsid11411515 \par }}