[2007] UGCA 61

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang2057\deflangfe2057{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f170\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;} {\f171\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f173\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f174\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f175\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);} {\f176\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f177\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f178\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{ \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Title;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Body Text;}{\s17\ql \li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Body Text Indent;}{\s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 footer;}{\*\cs19 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s20\qj \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext20 Body Text Indent 2;}{\*\cs21 \additive \sbasedon10 line number;}} {\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-798050744\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat2\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li720\jclisttab\tx720\lin720 }{\listname ;}\listid606697432}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid606697432\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid5975734\rsid6956816\rsid8403517\rsid8412870\rsid11948129}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11. 0.5604;}{\info{\title THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA}{\author Court of Appeal}{\operator jchemeri}{\creatim\yr2008\mo10\dy13\hr12\min29}{\revtim\yr2008\mo10\dy13\hr12\min30}{\printim\yr2007\mo3\dy22\hr10\min34}{\version3}{\edmins1}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1132} {\nofchars6455}{\*\company Courts of Judicature}{\nofcharsws7572}{\vern24689}}\paperw11906\paperh16838\margl1797\margr1797 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180 \dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind1\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\nojkernpunct\rsidroot6956816 \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6956816 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6956816 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6956816 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\insrsid6956816 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \psz9\linemod4\linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs19\insrsid6956816 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs19\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid8412870 1}}}{\cs19\insrsid6956816 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4153\tqr\tx8306\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid6956816 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA \par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF UGANDA \par AT KAMPALA \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 CORAM:\tab HON. JUSTICE G. M. OKELLO, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE C. N. B. KITUMBA, JA. \par \tab \tab HON. JUSTICE S. B. K. KAVUMA, JA. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 287 OF 2003

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 ZUNGU DENIS ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 :}{\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 APPELLANT \par \par }\pard\plain \s1\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 VERSUS \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par UGANDA :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: RESPONENT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\i\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 [Appeal from the judgement of the High Court at Mbale (Mwondha, J.) \par dated 24-7-2003 in Criminal Session Case No. 209 of 2003]}{\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\i\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 REASONS FOR THE JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT}{ \fs24\ulnone\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 This is an appeal from the judgement of the High Court whereby the appellant was convicted of defilement contrary to section 123 (1) of the Penal Code Act and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. On 6}{\fs24\super\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 th}{ \fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 February 2007 we heard the appeal, and allowed it, but reserved our reasons which, we now give. \par \par The prosecution case was that on the 3}{\fs24\super\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 rd}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 day of August 2002 at Nakisule village in Pallisa District, Zungu Denis, the appellant, had unlawful sexual intercourse with the complainant who was below the age of 18 years. On the material day, there was a last funeral rites ceremony at the village. When Nakoma Margaret, PW2, was going towards the latrine at around 3.00 pm, she saw the appellant having sexual intercourse with the complainant. Th ey were in a banana plantation. The complainant\rquote s dress had been pushed up and she was holding her knickers in her hands. The appellant had removed his trousers and they were on the ground. The witness raised an alarm, which was answered by others. The a ppellant was arrested, taken to the Local Council authorities from where he was forwarded to the police. He was charged with the offence of defilement. PW2 further testified that the victim had told her that the appellant had defiled her and given her tw o hundred shillings. The victim gave unsworn testimony in which she said that she did not know the appellant and had never seen him before the trial in the High Court. According to the medical report that had been admitted in evidence under section 64 of the Trial on Indictment Act, the doctor found that the complainant was not strong enough to put up a resistance. There was penetration though the hymen had not been }{\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 ruptured.}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734

\par \par In his defence, the appellant totally denied the offence. The learned trial judge believed the prosecution case, rejected the appellant\rquote s defence and convicted him as charged. \par \par Dissatisfied with the judgement of the High Court the appellant filed his appeal to this court on the following grounds. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard\plain \s20\qj \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \'931.\tab The learned trial judge erre d in law and fact in failing to direct the jury on the standard of proof thus occasioning a miscarriage of justice. \par }\pard\plain \qj \fi-720\li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx2160{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact when she failed to vigorously evaluate the evidence on record and thus erroneously finding th e accused guilt of the offence of defilement. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx2160{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact in failing to direct the jury and herself to approach the child\rquote s evidence with caution in the circumstances of the case. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx2160{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact alluding to the weaknesses of the defence case and thereby seemed to illegally shift the evidential burden upon the appellant. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langfenp1033\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \qj \fi-720\li2160\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx2160{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart2\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 The learned trial judge erred in law and fact when she sentenced the appellant to twenty years imprisonment (Life imprisonment).\'94 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 Mr. Hassan Kamba, learned counsel for the appellant, argued all grounds separately beginning with ground 2. We shall handle grounds 2, 3 and 4 together as they are interrelated and concern the evaluation of the evidence. On grounds 2,3, and 4, counsel \rquote s complaint was that the learned trial judge did not properly evaluate the evidence. Counsel submitted that the prosecution evidence did not prove that sexual intercourse had taken place. According to counsel, PW2 did not see the appellant having sexual intercourse with the complainant. Besides, medical evidence did not prove that the complainant was defiled. He argued further that the complainant\rquote s evidence was valueless. Counsel criticised the learned judge for basing the conviction on the weakness of the defence rather than the strength of the prosecution case. \par \par Mr. Ahimbisibwe Harrison, learned Senior State Attorney, disagreed. He supported the trial judge\rquote s finding that PW2 saw the appellant committing the offence. It was broad day light and she must have seen what was happening. He submitted that medical evidence supported her testimony. In counsel\rquote s view, the prosecution evidence was sufficient to warrant the appellant\rquote s conviction. \par \par We note that the evidence to implicate the appellan t was that of PW2. PW2 testified that she saw the appellant in the banana plantation lying on top of the complainant. He was having sexual intercourse with her. The appellant had removed his trousers and the victim\rquote s dress was pushed up and her knickers were in her hands. The witness was about 10 metres from the place where the appellant and the victim were. In our view, it is unbelievable that PW2 who was about 10 metres away from where the appellant and the complainant were could see them having sex. In our view, although it was daytime, that action could not have been observed from that far. Besides, the scene was in a banana plantation. We accept Mr. Kamba\rquote s submission that medical evidence did not prove that sexual intercourse had taken place. According to the medical evidence, the complainant\rquote s hymen was not ruptured and there were no injuries on her thighs, elbows or back. The report stated that there were signs of penetration but the doctor did not indicate to court what those signs were. We are, therefore, unable to know the basis of the doctor\rquote s opinion. An expert opinion as it is must be based on scientific grounds. We can not base ourselves on a baseless opinion. The complainant\rquote s unsworn testimony in court was as follows: \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\qj \li1440\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \'93I am Betty Nakoma Eluzabeth. I don\rquote t know my age. I go to school. I am in P.1 at Kakoma Primary School. I have seen him but I have never seen him. That\rquote s all.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 There was no cross-examination of this witness. In our opinion, the complainant\rquote s evidence did not a t all connect the appellant to the offence. PW2\rquote s testimony to the effect that the appellant gave the complainant two hundred shillings is hearsay. With due respect, the learned trial judge}{\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 , should}{ \fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 not have relied on it. \par The submission by appellant\rquote s counsel that the learned trial judge based the appellant\rquote s conviction on the weakness of the defence case rather than the strength of the prosecution case is well taken. We have anxiously perused the record as indicated above and we find that there is n o evidence to prove that the offence was committed by the appellant. It is obvious from the judgement that the learned trial judge, with due respect, concluded that the appellant was guilty of defilement based on the weakness of the defence. For example, the }{\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 learned judge}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 found that the appellant was a liar because he stated on oath that he had forgotten the name of PW3 who took him to the last funeral }{ \fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 rites function}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 . \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 It is trite law that the prosecution has a duty to prove the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The learned judge properly stated that principle at the beginning of her judgement and in her direction to the assessors but did not, with due respect, apply it to the instant appeal. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 It was for the foregoing reasons that we allowed the appeal. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 Dated at Kampala this }{\b\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 23}{\b\fs24\super\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 rd}{ \b\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 day}{\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 of }{\b\fs24\insrsid11948129\charrsid5975734 March 2007}{\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 .}{\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par }\pard\plain \s3\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 \par G. M. Okello \par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang2057\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp2057\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par C. N. B. Kitumba \par JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par S. B. K. Kavuma \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\fs24\insrsid6956816\charrsid5975734 JUSTICE OF APPEAL \par \par \par \par \par }}