Uganda Judgment

Supreme Court of Uganda

Bukenya Patrick and Anor v Uganda [2002] UGSC 37 (18 December 2002)

Criminal Law Aggravated Robbery Identification Evidence Recent Possession Doctrine Child Witness Circumstantial Evidence

Citation: [2002] UGSC 37
Status: Judgment
Jurisdiction: Uganda
Court: Supreme Court of Uganda
Posture: Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Language: English

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Court: Supreme Court of Uganda
Posture: Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Language: English

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Holding and result

The Supreme Court held that the evidence of PW8, who identified the second appellant by voice, was sufficient to sustain the conviction, as she was not a child of tender years at the time of trial and her evidence was corroborated by the appellant's sudden disappearance from the area after the robbery. The Court further held that the doctrine of recent possession was properly applied to the first appellant, who was found in possession of stolen property within 24 hours of the offence and gave contradictory and unconvincing explanations for his possession. The circumstantial evidence, including possession of personal effects and the conduct of the appellants, was found to be incompatible with innocence and supported the convictions. The trial and appellate courts were correct in rejecting the defence explanations, and the appeal was dismissed in its entirety.

Court disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

The appeal is dismissed in its entirety.
The convictions and sentences of the appellants are upheld.

Material facts

Parties

Bukenya Patrick

Appellant Counsel: Mrs. Eva Luswata Kawuma

Munsuru Rajabu

Appellant Counsel: Mrs. Eva Luswata Kawuma

Uganda

Respondent Counsel: Mr. Michael Wamasebu

Amounts and remedies

Cash Stolen: UGX 300,000

Procedural history

Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

Questions and positions

Legal issues

01
Whether the conviction of the second appellant could be sustained on the uncorroborated evidence of a child witness identifying by voice.
02
Whether the doctrine of recent possession was properly applied to the first appellant.
03
Whether the circumstantial evidence relied upon was sufficient to uphold the convictions.
04
Whether the trial and appellate courts erred in rejecting the defence explanations of the appellants.

Party arguments

Applicant: Counsel for the appellants argued that the conviction of the second appellant was based solely on the uncorroborated evidence of a child of tender years, which is legally insufficient. She further contended that the sudden disappearance of the second appellant from the area did not amount to corroboration. Regarding the first appellant, counsel argued that the doctrine of recent possession was wrongly applied as he had provided an explanation for his possession of the stolen property, and that the circumstantial evidence was improbable and insufficient. Both appellants maintained outright denials and provided alternative explanations for their possession and whereabouts.
Respondent: Counsel for the respondent opposed the appeal, arguing that the evidence of identification by PW8 was reliable and did not require corroboration as a matter of law, since she was not a child of tender years at the time of trial. He submitted that the sudden disappearance of the second appellant after the robbery corroborated the identification evidence. For the first appellant, the respondent argued that his explanations for possession of stolen property were inconsistent and not credible, and that the doctrine of recent possession was properly applied. The respondent maintained that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient and the trial and appellate courts were correct in rejecting the defence.

Court’s reasoning

Legal principles

01
John Muchami alias Kalule v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 3 of 1993 (SC) (unreported)

Evidence of a child is only considered to require corroboration if the child is of tender years at the time of trial, not at the time of the offence.
02
Magidu Mudasi v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 3 of 1998 (SC) (unreported)

The doctrine of recent possession allows a presumption of guilt where an accused is found in possession of stolen property soon after the theft, unless a credible explanation is provided.
03
Bogere Moses & Anor v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 1 of 1997 (SC) (unreported)

Circumstantial evidence must be incompatible with innocence and incapable of explanation upon any other reasonable hypothesis than that of guilt.

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the evidence of PW8, who identified the second appellant by voice, was sufficient to sustain the conviction, as she was not a child of tender years at the time of trial and her evidence was corroborated by the appellant's sudden disappearance from the area after the robbery. The Court further held that the doctrine of recent possession was properly applied to the first appellant, who was found in possession of stolen property within 24 hours of the offence and gave contradictory and unconvincing explanations for his possession. The circumstantial evidence, including possession of personal effects and the conduct of the appellants, was found to be incompatible with innocence and supported the convictions. The trial and appellate courts were correct in rejecting the defence explanations, and the appeal was dismissed in its entirety.

Obiter and limits

Corroboration is not a legal requirement for the evidence of a child unless the child is of tender years at the time of trial.
The conduct of an accused, such as sudden disappearance after a crime, may provide corroboration for identification evidence.
Evidence of recent possession is often more reliable than eyewitness identification in nocturnal offences.

Court disposition

appeal dismissed

The appeal is dismissed in its entirety.
The convictions and sentences of the appellants are upheld.

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Supreme Court of Uganda

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Supreme Court of Uganda

Judgment

[2002] UGSC 37

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)}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s24\qc \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 AT MENGO \par }\pard \s24\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s24\qc \li0\ri0\sb158\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (CORAM: ODER, TSEKOOKO, KAROKORA, MULENGA,}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 KANYEIHAMBA, JJSC) \par }\pard \s24\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s24\qc \li0\ri0\sb168\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 15 OF 2001}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 BETWEEN \par }\pard\plain \s20\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 BUKENYA PATRICK )}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

\par }\pard \s20\qc \li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx6643\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 MUNSURU RAJABU) \tab APPELLANTS \par }\pard\plain \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 AND \par }\pard\plain \s20\qc \li0\ri0\sb5\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx6715\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 UGANDA \tab RESPONDENT \par }\pard\plain \s21\qc \li1027\ri1008\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1008\lin1027\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li1027\ri1008\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1008\lin1027\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\lang1036\langfe1033\langnp1036\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s21\qj \li1027\ri1008\sb38\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1008\lin1027\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (Appeal from the decision of the Court of Appeal at}{ \cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Kampala by the Hon. Justices Kato, Berko, Mpagi-}{\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Bahigeine, JJA dated 26}{\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 th}{\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 April 2001 in Criminal}{ \cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Appeal No. 15 of 1999) \par }\pard\plain \s25\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s25\ql \li0\ri0\sb226\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs39\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 JUDGMENT}{\cs39\b\fs26\ul\expnd2\expndtw10\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs39\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 OF}{\cs39\b\fs26\ul\expnd2\expndtw10\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs39\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 THE}{\cs39\b\fs26\ul\expnd2\expndtw10\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs39\b\fs26\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 COURT \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb53\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033

{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 This is a second appeal. The appellants were tried and convicted by the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 High Court sitting at Fort Portal on 17"' March 1999 for aggravated}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 robbery contrary to sections 272 and 273(2) of the Penal code and were}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 sentenced to death. Their appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 on 26th April 2001. They appealed to this court. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb192\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The facts of the case were as follows: - \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 On 8}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 th}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 May, 1996 at about 3:00 am while the complainant,

Hussein}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Sebbi (PW6), was sleeping together with members of his family at his}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 home in Nzara Fort Portal Municipality, a group of robbers forced the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 rear door open and entered the house. The robbers had a panga and}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 torches. They demanded money from him. One of the robbers placed a}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 panga on the throat of Hussein Sebbi (PW6) and threatened to cut him if}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 he did not produce money. The robbers collected a number of household}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 properties which included a brief case, a suit case, clothes such as one}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 brown suit, a white and black Kaunda suit, one black pair of shoes and}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 cash Shs. 300,000/= from his room. From another room the robbers}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 took a small brief case labelled "President" and a hand bag containing}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 ladies clothes. One of the young girls in the house called Fatuma Ismail}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (PW8) recognised the second appellant by voice. The rest of the robbers}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 were not recognised. \par }{\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 On 17/6/96 when the complainant was driving in Fort Portal town he}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 sighted the first appellant wearing his Kaunda suit which had been}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 stolen on 6/5/96. He stopped and greeted him. The first appellant was}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 scared and then started running away. The complainant raised an alarm}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 and many people answered the alarm, chased him and arrested him. He}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 was handed over to police. The police interrogated the l}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant and}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 as a result of the interrogations, the police recovered some property from}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant's home at Rugombe Fort Portal - Kampala road. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb182\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 At the trial the first appellant made an unsworn statement denying}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 participation in the robbery. He stated that on 9/5/96 his mother

sent}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 him to Fort Portal to buy drugs for her. He met one Nyakojo Rogers who}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 borrowed Shs. 4,000/= from him and handed some clothes to him as}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 security. However, on 17/4/97 while the l}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant was wearing a}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 shirt which was one of the clothes Rogers Nyakojo had given to him as}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 security for the loan of Shs. 4,000/=, PW6 met him and caused his}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 arrest. After the 1}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant was arrested and handed over to police}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 CPL Okello, PW7, stated that he decided to search 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant's home}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 from where he recovered more property stolen during the robbery at}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 PW6's home. The evidence con necting the 2nd appellant with robbery}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 was that during the night of the robbery Fatuma, an 11 years old girl}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (PW8) identified him by his voice which she knew before the robbery. \par \sect }\sectd \marglsxn1985\margrsxn1260\sbknone\linex0\colsx60\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sb1366\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 However, immediately after the robbery, the 2nd appellant disappeared}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 from the area. When he

re-appeared in the area in April 1997, he was}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 arrested and charged for the robbery together with the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant. At}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the trial he denied involvement in the robbery. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb182\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The learned trial Judge accepted the prosecution evidence and rejected}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the defence of both appellants and convicted them. Their appeal to the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Court of Appeal was dismissed hence this appeal. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb29\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The

appeal to this court is based on four grounds; namely, \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs37\cf1\dbch\af34\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 (1)\tab}}\pard\plain \s28\qj \li0\ri0\sb10\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx0\tx706{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnb0\pni0 \pnfs24\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\faauto\ls1\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 The learned Justices of Appeal erred in law on r\hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 elying on the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 uncorroborated evidence of a child of tender years, who was a}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 single identifying witness, in upholding the conviction and}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af34\loch\f0 sentence against the 2nd appellant.}{\cs41\b\cf1\dbch\af34\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28

\cs37\fs26\cf1\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (2)\tab}}\pard \s28\qj \fi-706\li706\ri0\sb422\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx706{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent706 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls2\rin0\lin706\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The learned Justices of Appeal erred in fact and law by upholding}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 that the doctrine of recent possession applied to the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs37\fs26\cf1\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (3)\tab}}\pard \s28\qj \fi-706\li706\ri0\sb418\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tx706{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent706 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}} \faauto\ls2\rin0\lin706\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The learned Justices of Appeal erred in fact and law by relying on}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the circumstantial evidence that was improbable and insufficient}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 in upholding the conviction and sentence against the

two}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellants. \par {\pntext\pard\plain\s28 \cs37\cf1\charrsid9990889 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (4)\tab}}\pard \s28\qj \li0\ri0\sb398\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx0\tx706{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls3\pnrnot0\pndec\pnb0\pni0\pnfs24\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120 {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\faauto\ls3\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The learned Justices of Appeal erred in fact and law when they}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 rejected the defence presented for the two appellants.}{\cs34\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb178\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Mrs. Eva Luswata Kawuma argued grounds one and four together}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 concerning the second appellant and then grounds 2, 3 and 4 for the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant Mr. Michael Wamasebu, Assistant Director of Public}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Prosecutions opposed the appeal. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Mrs. Eva Luswata Kawuma started with the second appellant whose}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 defence was an outright denial of the charge and had set an alibi that he}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 never went to Njara village on 8/5/96 where the robbery took place. The}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 thrust of counsel's argument was that it was wrong for the trial Judge to}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 rely on the evidence of identification by a single identifying witness}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Fatuma (PW8) who was a young girl aged 11 years without corroboration.}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 She contended that sudden disappearance by the second appellant from}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the area was not corroboration. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb178\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 In our view, the Court of Appeal rightly accepted the finding of the trial}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Judge to the effect that PW8 had known the 2nd appellant for 3 years;}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 and that the 2nd appellant used to go to her grandfather's shop at Njara}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 trading centre at least three times a month where she would hear him}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 talk. The Court of Appeal re-evaluated the evidence of Fatuma (PW8)}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 before upholding the finding of the trial judge.

This is how the court re-}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 evaluated the evidence before rejecting the appeal. \par }\pard\plain \s23\qj \li1061\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1061\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1061\ri0\sb163\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1061\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 "We think, that the instances narrated by PW8 were}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 sufficient to enable her to identify the voice of the}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 2nd appellant. She even told the police that she}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 did recognise the voice of the 2nd appellant during}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the robbery. That led the police to look for him.}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We do not, however, agree with the learned

counsel}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 that the evidence of PW8 required corroboration as }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 a matter of law. At the time of the incident she}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 was 11 years, but she was 14 years at the time of}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 trial. She was therefore not a child of tender years}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 since the issue as to whether a child is of tender}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 years arises only at the time of trial and not when}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the offence was committed. See }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 John Muchami}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 alias Kalule vs. Uganda Cr. Appeal No. 3 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\expnd10\expndtw50\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

of}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 1993}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (SC)}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 unreported. \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1027\ri1013\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1013\lin1027\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1027\ri1013\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1013\lin1027\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We therefore think that the evidence of PW8 alone}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 was enough to connect the 2nd appellant with the}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 offence. But it so happened that her evidence is, in}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 actual fact, corroborated by the sudden}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 disappearance of the 2nd appellant from the}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 village soon after the robbery. We find no merit in}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the appeal of the 2nd appellant." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb182\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We reiterate what we stated in }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 J ohn Muchani alias Kalule v Uganda}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 (supra)}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 that the issue as to whether a child is of tender years arises only}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 at the trial but not when the offence was committed. We may add that}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 corroboration in such a case is not a requirement by law. However, in}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the instant case there was an unchallenged evidence of PW7 (No. 23577}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 CPL Okello) that after the robbery, Fatuma (PW8) told them that she had}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 identified A2 as one of the robbers from his voice which she knew very-}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 well. D/CPL Okello testified that after the robbery A2 disappeared from}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the area and that when he (A2) surfaced in the area, police got}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 information and arrested him. We think that the conduct of A2 as}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 described above provided sufficient corroboration to PW8's evidence of}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 identification. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 In the result, grounds one and four must fail. \par }\pard \s20\qj

\li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb206\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We turn to grounds 2, 3 and 4 which attacked the conviction of the 1}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant of robbery on the basis of the doctrine of possession of recently}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 stolen property. Mrs. Eva Luswata Kawuma argued these grounds}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 together and contended that the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant explained how he came}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 into possession of the property. Mr. Michael Wamasebu for respondent}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 opposed the appeal and urged us to dismiss it. He argued that the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant's explanation as to how he came into possession of stolen}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 property was not credible. \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb14\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The Court of Appeal reviewed the entire evidence and arguments of}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 counsel from both sides. The Court then upheld the conclusions of the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 trial judge to the effect that the 1}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant's possession of Kaunda shirt}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 and other properties belonging to }{\cs34\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 PW6 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 soon after the robbery, without}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 any reasonable explanation and that the possession was

incompatible}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 with his innocence. It concluded that the learned trial judge was right to}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 convict the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant of robbery on the doctrine of recent possession}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 of stolen property. \par }\pard\plain \s23\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li0\ri0\sb158\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We reiterate what we stated in }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Magidu Mudasi v Uganda Cr. Appeal}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 No. 3 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\expnd10\expndtw50\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 of}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 1998 (SC) (unreported)}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

that:- \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1008\ri1008\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1008\lin1008\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1008\ri1008\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1008\lin1008\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 "It is now well established that a court may}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 presume that a man in possession of stolen goods}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 soon after the theft is either the thief or has}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 received the goods knowing them to have been}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 stolen unless he can account for his possession.}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 This is an inference of fact which may be drawn as}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 a matter of common sense from other facts}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 including the particulars of the fact

that the}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 accused has in his possession property which it is}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 proved had been unlawfully obtained shortly before}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 he was found in possession. It is merely an}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 application of the ordinary rule relating to}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 circumstantial evidence that the inculpatory facts}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 against the accused person must be incompatible}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 with innocence and incapable of explanation upon}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 any other reasonable hypothesis than that of guilt. \par }\pard \s23\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We repeated the same

principle in the case of }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Bogere Moses}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 & }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Anor v}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Uganda Cr. Appeal No. 1 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\expnd10\expndtw50\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 of}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\ul\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 1997 (SC) (unreported)}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 where we stated}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 that:- \par }\pard \s23\qj \li998\ri979\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin979\lin998\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 "It ought to be realised that where evidence of}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 recent possession of stolen property is proved}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 beyond reasonable doubt, it raises a very strong}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 presumption of participation in the stealing so

that}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 if there is no innocent explanation of possession,}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the evidence is even stronger and more dependable} {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 than the eye witnesses evidence of identification in}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 a nocturnal event. This is especially so because}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 invariably the former is independently verifiable}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 while the later solely depends on the credibility of}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 the eye witness." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb163\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 In this

case the trial court considered whether the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant was a}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 thief and not a receiver and concluded that:- \par }\pard\plain \s23\qj \li1013\ri1018\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1018\lin1013\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1013\ri1018\sb163\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\tldot\tx7330\faauto\rin1018\lin1013\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 "These were personal effects which could not}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 readily pass from hand to hand and could not have}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 done so over night, any way. The accused said he}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 used to sell shoes and at times do masonry work.}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 He was not trading in second hand items and was}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889

}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 not even selling them at the time of the arrest. He}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 had decided to wear them as his own. Before}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 inferring the guilt of an accused person from}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 circumstantial evidence, the law enjoins me to}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 ensure that there are no other co-existing}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 circumstances which would weaken or destroy the}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 inference. I have seen none in this case\tab " \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb67\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 The learned trial judge then further reviewed the evidence against A1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 before convicting him. \par

}\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb178\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We agree with the Court of Appeal that the 1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant's explanation}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 was not consistent. At first he stated that he had bought Kaunda shirt}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 from Kyomuhendo who in fact denied having sold it to him. In court the}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 first appellant changed his story and stated that the Kaunda shirt was}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 part of the properties one Rogers Nyakojo gave to him as security for a}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 loan of Shs. 4000/= he (1}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant) lent to him on 9/5/96.

However,}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 PW9, the mother of the 1}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant testified that on 9/5/96 when she}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 sent the 1}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 st}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 appellant to buy drugs for her, he returned with a bag}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 containing properties and gave it to his wife and that the shirt he was}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 found wearing on 17/6/96 was among the properties that were in the}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 bag. The court of Appeal concluded that:- \par }\pard\plain \s23\qj \li1032\ri1003\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1003\lin1032\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s23\qj \li1032\ri1003\sb173\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin1003\lin1032\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 "The first appellant was

therefore found in}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 possession of some of the stolen property within 24}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 hours after they were stolen. He gave}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 contradictory explanation as to how they came into}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 his possession. That raises a very strong}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 presumption of participation in the stealing. The}{ \cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 trial judge was therefore right to rely on the}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 doctrine of recent possession of stolen property to}{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs35\b\i\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 convict the 1st appellant." \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033

{\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s20\qj \li0\ri0\sb178\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 We have not been persuaded that either the trial judge or the Justices of}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Appeal erred in law or in fact in their conclusions. In the result, grounds}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{ \cs32\fs22\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 2,3}{\cs32\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 and }{\cs32\fs22\expnd4\expndtw20\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 4}{ \cs32\fs22\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 must fail. \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par \par }\pard \s20\ql \li0\ri0\sb34\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Therefore this appeal has no merit. It is accordingly dismissed. \par }\pard\plain \s27\ql \li0\ri0\sb77\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par

}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 Dated at Mengo this 19}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\super\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 th}{\cs40\b\i\fs30\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 day of December 2002.}{ \cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par \par }\pard \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sb77\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 A. H. O ODER, \par }\pard \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT \par }\pard\plain \s19\qc \li0\ri0\sb120\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 J. W. TSEKOOKO,}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT \par }\pard\plain \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard \s27\qc \li0\ri0\sb82\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 A. N. KAROKORA, \par }\pard

\s27\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 J. N. MULENGA, \par JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT \par }\pard\plain \s22\qc \li528\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin528\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 \par }\pard\plain \s29\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9990889 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 G. W. KANYEIHAMBA,}{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889 \par }{\cs37\fs26\cf1\insrsid9990889\charrsid9990889 JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT. \par }}

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Cases, legislation, regulations, and constitutional provisions identified in the available record.

John Muchami alias Kalule v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 3 of 1993 (SC) (unreported)

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Magidu Mudasi v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 3 of 1998 (SC) (unreported)

Case cited

Bogere Moses & Anor v Uganda, Cr. Appeal No. 1 of 1997 (SC) (unreported)

Case cited

Penal Code Act, Sections 272 and 273(2)

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