UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NYIRANSABIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NYIRANSABIMANA

The evidence, including the accused's confession, witness statements, and the quantity of drugs seized, established the offence of drug trafficking, not mere consumption. The minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw, as provided by the amended law, had already been applied and could not be further reduced, regardless of mitigating circumstances.

Citation
RPAA00195/2025/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant/accused: Nyiransabimana Zawadi
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
25 September 2025
Case Number
RPAA00195/2025/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Sentencing, Appeal Procedure, Evidentiary Value of Confessions, Mitigating Circumstances
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Sentencing Appeal Procedure Evidentiary Value of Confessions Mitigating Circumstances

Case Brief

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Nyiransabimana Zawadi

Appellant/accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the conviction should be for drug trafficking or mere consumption
  2. 2 Whether the sentence should be further reduced below 15 years based on mitigating circumstances

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence, including the accused's confession, witness statements, and the quantity of drugs seized, established the offence of drug trafficking, not mere consumption. The minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw, as provided by the amended law, had already been applied and could not be further reduced, regardless of mitigating circumstances.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.

Orders

  • The appeal by Nyiransabimana Zawadi is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The High Court judgment (RPA00601/2022/HC/MUS) is affirmed in all respects.