Man jailed two years for assaulting his sister who brought him to Kampala
Hakim Mugisa in the dock at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. PHOTO | JULIET KIGONGO.
What you need to know:
- According to the prosecution led by State Attorney Ivan Kyazze, Mugisa assaulted his cousin, Faridah Namuga, following a disagreement at her shop
A court in Kampala has sentenced a 35-year-old man to two years in prison for assaulting his cousin sister in a dispute that stemmed from a misunderstanding at a shop.
Hakim Mugisa, a resident of Nansana in Wakiso District, appearing before the Buganda Road Court presided over by the Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Act.
The incident occurred on May 14, 2025, at around 4:00PM at Qualicel Plaza on Nabugabo Road in Central Division, Kampala.
According to the prosecution led by State Attorney Ivan Kyazze, Mugisa assaulted his cousin, Faridah Namuga, following a disagreement at her shop.
"The convict boxed the victim, causing her to fall unconscious. She regained consciousness while being treated at a medical facility. The assault left her with a deep cut on the forehead," Kyazze told the court.
While delivering his sentence, Mr Kayizzi acknowledged the convict's guilty plea and the mitigating factors, including his lack of a criminal record and parental responsibilities. However, he emphasized the seriousness of the offense.
"You assaulted your cousin sister, someone who brought you to Kampala. Though you are a father and pleaded guilty, the nature of the injury warrants a custodial sentence. I find it fair and appropriate to sentence you to two years in prison," he ruled.
In mitigation, the convict apologised to the victim, expressing regret over his actions.
"She is the one who brought me to Kampala. We had a misunderstanding. She accused me of theft without proof, which angered me. I did not hit her with anything. I have two children, one is 13 years old, and the other is just one and a half years. Their mother has a mental illness. They have no one else to care for them," Mugisa said.
However, the victim challenged his account. "He is lying. He came to my shop with something hidden in a kavera (polythene bag)," Namuga said. When asked what punishment would satisfy her, she replied, "Let the law take its course… Maybe two years will change him."
Mr Kayizzi also advised Mugisa of his right to appeal if dissatisfied with the court's decision.
