[2002] UGHC 14

[2002] UGHC 14

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the complainant was below 18 years and that the accused attempted to defile her. However, medical evidence established that there was no penetration, and therefore, the essential ingredient of unlawful sexual intercourse was not met. The complainant's testimony was...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2002] UGHC 14
Parties
Applicant: Uganda; Defendant: Rwabulikwire Moses
Court
High Court of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
HCT-01-CR-SC-0066 of 2001
Procedural Posture
Criminal Law / Judgment
Outcome
convicted of attempted defilement under section 123(2) of the Penal Code Act
Legal Topics
Defilement, Attempted Defilement, Burden of Proof, Corroboration in Sexual Offences
Source Language
en
Criminal Law Defilement Attempted Defilement Burden of Proof Corroboration in Sexual Offences

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Parties

Uganda

Applicant

Rwabulikwire Moses

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Law / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the complainant was under the age of 18 years at the time of the alleged offence.
  2. 2 Whether there was unlawful sexual intercourse with the complainant.
  3. 3 Whether it was the accused who participated in the alleged unlawful sexual intercourse or attempted defilement.

Ratio Decidendi

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the complainant was below 18 years and that the accused attempted to defile her. However, medical evidence established that there was no penetration, and therefore, the essential ingredient of unlawful sexual intercourse was not met. The complainant's testimony was found credible regarding the accused's actions, which constituted attempted defilement. The defence's failure to cross-examine the complainant on the identity of the assailant led to the inference that this fact was admitted. The court, after warning itself and the assessors about the dangers of relying on uncorroborated evidence in sexual offences, found the complainant's...

Court Disposition

convicted of attempted defilement under section 123(2) of the Penal Code Act

Orders

  • The accused is sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.
  • Time spent on remand (2 years, 3 months, 21 days) to be taken into account.