UBUSHINJACYAHA v. TWIZEYUMUREMYI

The statutory minimum sentence for offences punishable by life imprisonment, even with mitigating circumstances, is 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of one million Rwandan francs. The High Court had already imposed this minimum, and the law does not permit further reduction. The appeal was therefore dismissed.

Citation: RPAA01048/2024/CA
Parties: Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant/accused: Twizeyumuremyi Innocent
Court: Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Rwanda
Judgment Date: 29 September 2025
Case Number: RPAA01048/2024/CA
Procedural Posture: Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)
Outcome: Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed in all respects.
Legal Topics: Sentencing, Mitigating Circumstances, Drug Offences, Appeal Procedure
Source Language: rw

Criminal Law Sentencing Mitigating Circumstances Drug Offences Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

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Full judgment text Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 5 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2

Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Twizeyumuremyi Innocent

Appellant/accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)

Legal Issues

1 Whether the sentence imposed on Twizeyumuremyi Innocent could be further reduced below the statutory minimum due to mitigating circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed in all respects.

Orders

Twizeyumuremyi Innocent to continue serving 15 years' imprisonment and pay a fine of 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Twizeyumuremyi Innocent is exempted from paying court costs as he is incarcerated.