Summary:
- Kyarisima, originally sentenced to 30 years, saw his term reduced to 25 years and six months. However, his co-accused, Vian Mbichi, maintained his original sentence of 30 years.
KABALE: The Court of Appeal sitting in Kabale District has reduced 30-year that was handed to Geneva Kyarisima following his appeal for the killing of a 40-year-old man in Kisoro District in 2013.
Kyarisima, originally sentenced to 30 years, saw his term reduced to 25 years and six months. However, his co-accused, Vian Mbichi, maintained his original sentence of 30 years.
Kyarisima and Mbichi, convicted on June 26th, 2014, appealed their sentences citing excessive harshness. Their lawyer, Alice Namara, argued that Kyarisima, a first-time offender of youthful age, could still contribute positively to society.
However, during proceedings, Justice Christopher Gashirabake presented a graphic photo illustrating the brutality of the crime, prompting Kyarisima to withdraw his appeal.
In a unanimous decision, Lady Justices Irene Mulyagonja, Eva Luswata, and Justice Christopher Gashirabake, citing Section 11 of the Judicature Act, exercised their discretion to resentence Kyarisima to 25 years and six months after deducting six months for time served on remand.
Mbichi’s sentence remained unchanged at 30 years.
