UBUSHINJACYAHA vs MVUNABANDI

UBUSHINJACYAHA vs MVUNABANDI

The court held that the evidence (41 packets of cannabis, witness statements, packaging) established trafficking, not mere possession. The sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 FRW is the statutory minimum under the current law and cannot be further reduced or suspended. The appeal was dismissed...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00219/2024/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Mvunabandi Jean Bosco
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
27 August 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00219/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed.
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Sentencing, Appeal Procedure, Mitigating Circumstances
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Sentencing Appeal Procedure Mitigating Circumstances

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Mvunabandi Jean Bosco

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the acts of the accused constitute drug trafficking or mere possession
  2. 2 Whether the sentence can be further reduced or suspended

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that the evidence (41 packets of cannabis, witness statements, packaging) established trafficking, not mere possession. The sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 FRW is the statutory minimum under the current law and cannot be further reduced or suspended. The appeal was dismissed in its entirety.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed.

Orders

  • The sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 FRW against Mvunabandi Jean Bosco is upheld.
  • Mvunabandi Jean Bosco is exempted from paying court fees due to being in custody.