UBUSHINJACYAHA v HAKUZIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v HAKUZIMANA

Hakuzimana Samuel admitted to drug trafficking, and evidence corroborates intent to sell. The minimum sentence for drug trafficking with mitigating circumstances is fifteen years imprisonment, which has already been applied. The charge cannot be changed to simple possession, and further reduction or suspension of...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00503/2024/CA
Parties
Applicant: Ubushinjacyaha; Respondent: Hakuzimana Samuel
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
23 December 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00503/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Sentencing, Mitigating Circumstances, Drug Possession
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Sentencing Mitigating Circumstances Drug Possession

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Applicant

Hakuzimana Samuel

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Should the charge against Hakuzimana Samuel be changed from drug trafficking to drug possession?
  2. 2 Is Hakuzimana Samuel entitled to further reduction or suspension of his sentence?

Ratio Decidendi

Hakuzimana Samuel admitted to drug trafficking, and evidence corroborates intent to sell. The minimum sentence for drug trafficking with mitigating circumstances is fifteen years imprisonment, which has already been applied. The charge cannot be changed to simple possession, and further reduction or suspension of sentence is not legally permitted.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The appeal by Hakuzimana Samuel is dismissed.
  • The judgment of the High Court (RPA 00856/2020/HC/KIG) dated 28/02/2024 is upheld.