Uganda Case Law

Uganda v Higenyi Muhammad (CRB No. 212 of 2023; Criminal Session No. 135 of 2024)

Uganda v Higenyi Muhammad (CRB No. 212 of 2023; Criminal Session No. 135 of 2024) [2025] UGHC 498 (10 July 2025)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

CRB No. 212 of 2023 ; Criminal Session No. 135 of 2024

Judge

Lubega, J

The court found that while the prosecution proved the occurrence of sexual intercourse and lack of consent, it failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was the perpetrator. The identification evidence was based solely on the complainant's testimony, which was not corroborated by any other witness or physical evidence such as the phone allegedly used for identification. The absence of further investigative steps, such as forensic analysis or corroborative testimony from the first person the complainant reported to, weakened the prosecution's case. The court also noted the exist…

Source excerpt

• Rape
• Burden Of Proof
• Identification Evidence
• Consent In Sexual Offences

Uganda v Arugai

Uganda v Arugai (Criminal Session 14 of 2023) [2025] UGHC 163 (9 April 2025)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Criminal Session 14 of 2023

Judge

Nagawa, J

The High Court acquitted the accused at prima facie stage, holding that the complainant was 16 and the proper charge was defilement, not rape.

• Rape
• Defilement
• Consent In Sexual Offences
• Age Of Victim
• Burden Of Proof
• Prosecutorial Errors

Uganda v Tugumenawe Jack

Uganda v Tugumenawe Jack (Criminal Session Case No. 0054 of 2002) [2003] UGHC 19 (6 November 2003)

Court

High Court of Uganda

Case number

Criminal Session Case No. 0054 of 2002

The High Court of Uganda acquitted the accused of rape for lack of proof of sexual intercourse, but convicted him of indecent assault.

• Rape
• Indecent Assault
• Identification Evidence
• Burden Of Proof
• Alibi
• Consent In Sexual Offences

Uganda v Odwor

Uganda v Odwor (Criminal Session Case No. 151/92) [1993] UGHCCRD 12 (2 April 1993)

Court

HC: Criminal Division (Uganda)

Case number

Criminal Session Case No. 151/92

Judge

Kato, J

The High Court of Uganda convicted Alfred Odwor of rape, finding penetration, lack of consent, and identification proved beyond reasonable doubt. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

• Rape
• Burden Of Proof
• Consent In Sexual Offences
• Identification Evidence
• Corroboration
• Sentencing Principles

Rex v Sheshaho (Ct. App. No. 105 of 1938.)

Rex v Sheshaho (Ct. App. No. 105 of 1938.) [1938] EACA 110 (1 January 1938)

Court

East African Court of Appeal

Case number

Ct. App. No. 105 of 1938.

Judge

Hayden J, Lane, Ag. J, Sheridan CJ

The Court of Appeal substituted a rape conviction with defilement, finding the evidence raised doubt about consent and that the charge permitted the change.

• Rape
• Defilement
• Consent In Sexual Offences
• Criminal-appeal
• Consent-in-sexual-offences