UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUHAWENIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUHAWENIMANA

The court found that the prosecution failed to prove that Muhawenimana Virginie intended to distribute or sell the cannabis, as the evidence showed the drugs were for personal use and for another individual (Patrick) with whom she shared consumption. The quantity was small, and there was no evidence of repeated...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00014/2025/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Muhawenimana Virginie
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 December 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00014/2025/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed; conviction and sentence varied
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Possession of Narcotics, Trafficking of Narcotics, Sentencing
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Offences Possession of Narcotics Trafficking of Narcotics Sentencing

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Muhawenimana Virginie

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether Muhawenimana Virginie should be convicted for possession and use of narcotics or for trafficking (transporting) narcotics
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed by the High Court should be reduced

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the prosecution failed to prove that Muhawenimana Virginie intended to distribute or sell the cannabis, as the evidence showed the drugs were for personal use and for another individual (Patrick) with whom she shared consumption. The quantity was small, and there was no evidence of repeated transport or commercial intent. Therefore, she should be convicted of possession, not trafficking or sale.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; conviction and sentence varied

Orders

  • The High Court judgment No RPA 01184/2021/HC/KIG is set aside in all its parts.
  • Muhawenimana Virginie is convicted of possession of narcotics (cannabis), not trafficking or sale.