NEWS– The Rukungiri High Court resident Judge, Justice Tom Chemutai on Thursday November 30th 2023 sentenced to 22 years in Rukungiri main prison a 26 year old Alfred Nagaba over murder.
Nagaba, a resident of Rwere Cell, Nyakabungo Parish, Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, had been accused of murdering Ahereza Edson Richard in 2021.
Ahereza, a resident of Nyabitanga Parish, Nyabitanga Sub County, Sembabule District, had parents who had migrated from Rwere Cell, Nyakabungo Parish, Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District.
The prosecution successfully demonstrated that in 2021, Nagaba and Ahereza had traveled together from Sembabule District to Rwere cell in Nyakabungo Buyanja. Ahereza’s father had entrusted his son with delivering Ugx 3 million to their grandmother.
Court heard that upon reaching Rwere, the duo passed by Dorcus’ bar in Omukentomi trading center, where they played cards. From here, Nagaba left for home first before Ahereza was later heard joining him.
The next morning, Ahereza Edson Richard was found dead on the road. Nagaba pleaded guilty to commiting this offense and Justice Tom Chemutai sentenced him to 22 years at Rukungiri Government Prison, deducting the time he had spent on remand.
In a related development, the Court of Appeal in Kabale District has upheld the 32-year sentence imposed on Emmanuel Benywanira, who was found guilty of defiling a 3-year-old girl and infecting her with HIV/AIDS.
Initially sentenced to 35 years on April 13th, 2019, by Kabale High Court Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, Benywanira, despite pleading guilty, had 2 years and 6 months deducted for time served, resulting in a final sentence of 32 years and 5 months.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the severity of the punishment, Benywanira appealed, arguing that it was excessive and constituted a miscarriage of justice given the circumstances.
However, a panel of three justices including Muzamiru Kibeedi, Christopher Gashirabake, and Oscar Kihika, ruled that Benywanira’s claims lacked merit. They dismissed the appeal, asserting that the 32-year imprisonment term was appropriate considering the gravity of the offense.
The same Court of Appeal rejected Benywanira’s argument, highlighting the severe and life-threatening injuries inflicted on the young victim. Beyond defiling the child, Benywanira also transmitted HIV/AIDS to her. Consequently, the panel upheld the original sentence, mandating Benywanira to serve the full 32 years in prison.
The justices acknowledged the severity of the offense but noted that the trial judge had displayed leniency by choosing a 32-year prison term over the maximum penalty of death. They emphasized that the judge had taken into account the period Benywanira spent on remand, finding no fault in his decision.
