The above elements were settled in the case of UGANDA Vs BOSCO OKELLO (1992-93)
HCB 68.
In proof of the first element of the offence the prosecution produced evidence of PW 1 Dr.
Mugaye Julius who examined the body of the deceased and made a report admitted as ‘P.I’. He
medically confirmed that INZIKURU Margaret died due to severe bleeding from the stab wound
on the trunk between the 6TH and 7th right ribs.
PW.3, PW.4, PW.6 confirmed that they came to the scene and saw the body of Inzikuru
Margaret. She was already dead.
The accused person, in his statement in defence and the charge and caution statement confirmed
that the said deceased died on 22nd January, 2008.
I am satisfied that the fact of death of
Inzikuru Margaret has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Unless there is a proof of accident
or if justification the homicide of Margaret Inzikuru is presumed unlawful.
The accused person in his charge and caution statement admits that he stabbed the deceased with
a knife which he picked from the house while the fight went on between the accused and the
deceased. There was no suggestion that he acted in self-defence.
I find his allegation that she
fell on the knife while she was drunk unacceptable and an afterthought. The medical evidence
of PW 2 Dr. Asea Sam corroborates the contents of the charge and caution statement.
There
was a fight in which the accused person get mouth injuries which bled and caused him to stab the
deceased once in the ribs.
PW 3 and PW 4 testified the state they found the accused person. He appeared shocked and
unable to answer. He only broke down and cried. The inference is that the accused person was
overwhelmed by the outcome of his action, the stabbing of his wife to death which was unlawful.
The participation of the accused person is a foregone conclusion.
evidence of his participation.
There is overwhelming
His admission in charge and caution statement squarely puts him
at the scene of the crime and gives detailed evidence of how he stabbed her.
P.W.3 found him squatting next to the dead body. PW 4 also found him seated next to the dead
body.
I agree with the Assessors that Accused’s conduct of crying and giving no explanation when
asked what had happened is not consistent with a conduct of an innocent person who had seen
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