The Court of Appeal of Uganda has upheld the conviction and sentence of a man found guilty of rape in Lwengo District.

Sitting in Masaka, the appellate court dismissed the appeal of Ali Lukwago, affirming both his conviction and sentence for the offence.

In a judgment delivered in 2026, the court upheld the earlier decision of the High Court of Uganda, presided over by Justice Winfred Nabisinde.

Lukwago had been convicted of raping a deaf and mute woman on January 12, 2015, at Manja B Village in Lwengo District.

The High Court sentenced him to 40 years’ imprisonment, with four years spent on remand deducted, leaving an effective sentence of 36 years.

He appealed the conviction on grounds that the offence had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt and that the sentence was harsh and excessive.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the prosecution had met the required legal standard.

The justices found that the trial judge properly evaluated the evidence, including medical testimony, and correctly applied the law.

The court further held that the sentence was lawful and justified, citing the victim’s vulnerability, the violence involved, and the severe physical and psychological trauma she suffered as aggravating factors.

In dismissing the appeal, the court emphasized that rape carries a maximum penalty of death under Ugandan law, making the 40-year sentence appropriate and within the legal range.

The justices therefore upheld the effective sentence of 36 years’ imprisonment, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and imposing stern penalties for sexual offences.

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