Summary:
- Initially sentenced by Kabale High Court Judge Justice Michael Elubu on March 16, 2016, to 35 years and 27 years in prison respectively, Kambendiho and Mbabazi appealed the decision, arguing that their time on remand had not been deducted from their sentences.
KABALE: The Court of Appeal sitting in Kabale District has upheld the sentences of 35 years and 27 years respectively for a father and son convicted of gang raping a 17-year-old girl.
The panel, consisting of three justices Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja, Eva Luswata, and Justice Christopher Gashirabakye delivered the ruling.
In 2013, Rogers Kambendiho and his father Johnson Mbabazi committed the crime while escorting the girl, whom Kambendiho intended to marry.
They, along with Doreen, Mbabazi’s wife and Kambendiho’s mother, who pleaded guilty and received a 17-year sentence, turned against the girl and participated in the gang rape.
Initially sentenced by Kabale High Court Judge Justice Michael Elubu on March 16, 2016, to 35 years and 27 years in prison respectively, Kambendiho and Mbabazi appealed the decision, arguing that their time on remand had not been deducted from their sentences.
However, during the appeal proceedings, their lawyer Mohammed Mbarire informed the Court of Appeal justices, led by Lady Justice Irene Mulyagonja that the appellants had decided to withdraw their appeal after consulting with them.
Consequently, Lady Justice Mulyagonja ruled that the appeal was dismissed due to its withdrawal, affirming the original sentences of 35 years for Rogers Kambendiho and 27 years for Johnson Mbabazi.
