UBUSHINJACYAHA v. BIZIMANA N’UNDI

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. BIZIMANA N’UNDI

The court found that the appellants were caught packaging a significant quantity of cannabis in 76 sachets, and one appellant admitted the drugs were for sale. The evidence met the threshold for trafficking, not simple possession. However, as first-time offenders and considering the quantity was not extremely large,...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00870/2024/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Bizimana Richard; Appellant: Mugabonake Jean Pierre
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
17 September 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00870/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed in substance; sentence reduced
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Drug Possession, Sentencing, Appeal Procedure
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Drug Possession Sentencing Appeal Procedure

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Bizimana Richard

Appellant

Mugabonake Jean Pierre

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the conviction should be for drug trafficking or simple possession
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed was proportionate

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the appellants were caught packaging a significant quantity of cannabis in 76 sachets, and one appellant admitted the drugs were for sale. The evidence met the threshold for trafficking, not simple possession. However, as first-time offenders and considering the quantity was not extremely large, the sentence was reduced to 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw each.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed in substance; sentence reduced

Orders

  • Conviction for drug trafficking upheld for both appellants
  • Sentence reduced to 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw each