UBUSHINJACYAHA v NTAKIRUTIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v NTAKIRUTIMANA

The minimum sentence for trafficking in narcotic drugs punishable by life imprisonment, even with mitigating circumstances, is 15 years' imprisonment and a fine not less than a quarter of the minimum prescribed. The appellant's sentence, already reduced to this minimum, cannot be further reduced or the fine waived...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 01014/2024/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Ngezahoguhora Théogène alias Ngenzeri
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 May 2025
Case Number
RPAA 01014/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed.
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Sentencing, Mitigating Circumstances, Appeal Procedure
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Offences Sentencing Mitigating Circumstances Appeal Procedure

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Ngezahoguhora Théogène alias Ngenzeri

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the sentence for trafficking in narcotic drugs (marijuana) can be further reduced below 15 years imprisonment and RWF 10,000,000 fine based on mitigating circumstances under the amended law.

Ratio Decidendi

The minimum sentence for trafficking in narcotic drugs punishable by life imprisonment, even with mitigating circumstances, is 15 years' imprisonment and a fine not less than a quarter of the minimum prescribed. The appellant's sentence, already reduced to this minimum, cannot be further reduced or the fine waived under the current law.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; lower court judgment affirmed.

Orders

  • The appeal by Ngezahoguhora Théogène alias Ngenzeri is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The judgment of the High Court, Rwamagana Chamber, case RPA 00461/2021/HC/RWG of 19/08/2024, is upheld.