KAMPALA- Uganda’s Supreme Court has reinforced a crucial principle in the country’s jurisprudence: consecutive sentences can be imposed in cases involving multiple victims and serious offenses.
This landmark decision came after the court dismissed an appeal by Gabiri Kasimu, who was convicted of two counts of attempted murder.
Kasimu had appealed to the Supreme Court against the consecutive order, arguing that the sentences should run concurrently.
However, the Supreme Court justices led by Professor Lillian Tibatemwa, ruled that consecutive sentences were fitting given the circumstances of the case.
According to the court records, Kasimu had gone to a a traditional Herbalist a one Bandiru Semuga ,his brother-in-law’s home in Bugoge village, Kayunga District, for treatment. However, he later turned violent, stabbing four of his brother-in-law’s children with a knife on March 5, 2012 resulting to the death of one child.
He was initially sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run consecutively.
The Court of Appeal later reduced his sentence to 13 years’ imprisonment to run consecutively.
The Supreme Court justices agreed with the prosecution’s argument that consecutive sentences were appropriate, given the gravity of the offenses and the fact that there were multiple victims.
They also cited a persuasive authority from the Supreme Court of Wales, emphasizing the importance of public confidence in the administration of justice.
