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Uganda Judgment

Court of Appeal of Uganda

Magezi Robert Vs Uganda (Crim. Case No. 71 of 2006) [2010] UGCA 46 (10 November 2010)

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01

Holding and result

The Court of Appeal held that the offence committed by the appellant was extremely serious, attracting a death sentence under the law. The victim was a very young child, only three years old. The appellant's age (25/27 years) was not considered a mitigating factor, as he was expected to know right from wrong. Although the medical evidence indicated the appellant was normal at the time of examination, the record also showed he was undergoing mental treatment at the time of the offence. The court gave the appellant the benefit of doubt regarding his mental status but emphasized that offences against children are a menace in Uganda and require strong deterrent sentences. The sentence of 18 years imprisonment was deemed appropriate and not excessive. The appeal was dismissed, and the sentence upheld.

Court disposition

appeal dismissed; sentence upheld

Orders

  • The appeal against sentence is dismissed.
  • The sentence of 18 years imprisonment is upheld.

02

Material facts

Parties

Magezi Robert

Appellant Counsel: Ms Matovu Suwayah

Uganda

Respondent Counsel: Ms Abodo

Amounts and remedies

  • Sentence Imprisonment Years: 18

03

Procedural history

  1. Posture

    Criminal Appeal / Judgment

04

Questions and positions

Legal issues

Party arguments

Applicant
Counsel for the appellant argued that the sentence was harsh and excessive, citing three main reasons: the appellant was mentally ill at the time of the offence and undergoing treatment; he was a first offender, young (27 years), and pleaded guilty, thus deserving leniency; and he had spent 2 years and six months on remand, though this was later withdrawn as the trial judge considered it. Counsel relied on Bikanga Daniel vs Uganda to support the court's power to reduce the sentence and prayed for a reduction to 10 years imprisonment.
Respondent
Counsel for the respondent opposed the appeal, arguing that although the appellant was examined after the offence and found normal, the victim was only 3 years old, and the appellant was old enough to know better. The disparity in age was significant, and the sentence was proper. The respondent prayed for dismissal of the appeal and upholding of the sentence.

05

Court’s reasoning

  1. 01

    Penal Code Act, Section 129

    Sentencing in defilement cases must reflect the gravity of the offence and serve as a deterrent, especially where the victim is a child.

  2. 02

    Bikanga Daniel vs Uganda (authority cited by appellant)

    Mitigating factors such as mental health, age, and plea of guilty may be considered but do not automatically warrant a reduction in sentence.

  3. 03

    Court's discretion

    Benefit of doubt may be given where the mental status of the accused at the time of the offence is unclear.

06

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

The Court of Appeal held that the offence committed by the appellant was extremely serious, attracting a death sentence under the law. The victim was a very young child, only three years old. The appellant's age (25/27 years) was not considered a mitigating factor, as he was expected to know right from wrong. Although the medical evidence indicated the appellant was normal at the time of examination, the record also showed he was undergoing mental treatment at the time of the offence. The court gave the appellant the benefit of doubt regarding his mental status but emphasized that offences against children are a menace in Uganda and require strong deterrent sentences. The sentence of 18 years imprisonment was deemed appropriate and not excessive. The appeal was dismissed, and the sentence upheld.

Obiter and limits

  • Offences against children have become a menace in this country and this court must send the correct signal to the community that it will not be tolerated.
  • The fact that the appellant was undergoing mental treatment at the time of the offence was considered, but the seriousness of the offence outweighed mitigation.

Court disposition

appeal dismissed; sentence upheld

  • The appeal against sentence is dismissed.
  • The sentence of 18 years imprisonment is upheld.

Source and reliance status

Court of Appeal of Uganda

This page organises the available record for research. Confirm quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the official source before relying on the case.

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Judgment text

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Source document

Court of Appeal of Uganda

Judgment

[2010] UGCA 46

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\linex0\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11096917\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s18\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\af36\hich\af36\dbch\af36\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid2960172 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid2960172 \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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 \f36\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA AT MBARARA \par \par \par }\pard \s15\qj

\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 CORAM: \tab HON. JUSTICE A. TWINOMUJUNI, JA \par }\pard \s15\qj \fi720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang1053\langfe1033\langnp1053\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 HON. JUSITCE S. B. K. KAVUMA, JA \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 HON. JUSTICE M. S.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 ARACH AMOKO, JA \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11234627\charrsid15477237 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.71}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 OF 2006 \par \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 MAGEZI ROBERT..........}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237

.......................}{ \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 ................................ APPELLANT \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 V E R S U S \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par UGANDA ........................................................................ RESPONDENT \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Principal State Attorney for the respondent. \par Ms Matovu Suwayah for the appellant on State brief \par The appellant is present }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Lydia Tuhir}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 ir}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 we Court Clerk.

\par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 I apply to appeal against sentence only}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237\charrsid15477237 .}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 : \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 No objection. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Court: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Leave is granted. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 We contend }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 the sentence is harsh and excessive in the circumstances of this case. We have three reasons. \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237

\hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \s15\qj \fi-360\li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid2305628 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 The appellant at the time of the offence was mentally ill the state confirmed this fact on page 3 R/A when it stated }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 he was undergoing mental treatment. In his allocutus, the appellant said he had a recurring mental prob lem. He said it occurs during the presence of many people. The sentence of 18 years was excessive. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}The appellant was just 27 years. He was a first offender. He pleaded guilty to the offence. He never wasted court \rquote s time. He deserved a }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 lenient}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 sentence. The }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 trial}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 judge

failed to take into account the age of the appellant before passing the sentence.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 He was still young. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 His age ought to have been considered. \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \lang2057\langfe1033\dbch\af0\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}Appellant had spent 2 years and six months on remand. It was not clear whether the trial judge considered this }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 factor. I}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 now withdraw this as the factor }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 was considered. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2305628\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li360\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin360\itap0\pararsid16589500 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16589500\charrsid15477237 \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11031227 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 I wish to rely on the authority of

}{ \b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Bikanga Daniel vs Uganda.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 This case shows that the court has power to reduce the sentence. Pray you reduce }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 sentence to 10 years imprisonment. \par \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 Ms Abodo}{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 : \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Pray you dismiss the appeal and uphold the }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 sentence. That the appellan}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960172\charrsid15477237 t was si}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 ck. He was examined the next day after the offence and was found to be normal. PW4}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 ,}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 the victim said that she was alone with the accused in his saloon. Aft er cutting her hair, he locked the door and defiled her. He was quite

normal. \par \par Then it was said that appellant was just 27 years. The victim was only 3 years. The disparity in age is so glaring and the appellant was old enough to know better. The sentence was proper and pray that this court upholds the same. \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 Ms Matovu: \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 The record and R/A says that the appellant was examined 18 days after the offence. \par }{\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11031227\charrsid15477237 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT: \par \par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1782957 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 We have listened to both counsel on this matter. The appellant committed a very serious offence which attracts a death sentence. The victim was a very young chi}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2960172\charrsid15477237 ld aged only three years old. T}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 he fact }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237

that}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 the appellant was aged 25}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 years is not a mitigating factor. He is expected at that age to know the difference between right and wrong. However, the record is not entirely clear on the mental status of the appellant at the time the }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 offence was}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 committed. Though the doctors say his mental status was normal, it is also true }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 that}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 he was undergoing some form of mental treatment at the time of the offence. We considered the possibility of }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 enhancing}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 the sentence but we have }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 finally}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3214108\charrsid15477237 discoun}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12799116\charrsid15477237 ted}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 it and a

benefit of doubt in his favour }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 of the accused }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 on account of his mental status. }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 \par \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 All in all, we hold that offences against children have become a men ace in this country and this court must send the correct signal to the community that it will not be tolerated. The sentence of 18 years therefore must stand. The appeal is accordingly dismissed.}{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11096917\charrsid15477237 \par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \par Dated this 11}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 th}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15477237 day of }{ \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 November 2010. \par \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1782957 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 ................................................... \par Hon. Justice A. Twinomujuni \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE

OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 \par Hon. Justice S. B. K. Kavuma \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85. \par Hon. Justice M. S. Arach Amoko \par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 JUSITCE OF APPEAL \par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1782957\charrsid15477237 \par }}

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Bikanga Daniel vs Uganda

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Penal Code Act, Section 129

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