Staff Reporter
The Court of Appeal sitting in Kabale District has reduced the 30-year sentence handed to Geneva Kyarisima for the 2013 killing of a 40-year-old man in Kisoro District following his appeal.
Kyarisima, who was originally sentenced to 30 years, saw his term reduced to 25 years and six months. However, his co-accused, Vian Mbichi, retained his original 30-year sentence.
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, had the potential to contribute positively to society.
During the proceedings, Justice Christopher Gashirabake presented a graphic photo illustrating the brutality of the crime, which prompted 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.
