A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for pouring acid on his friend after suspecting him of theft.
The convict, identified as Mawa Taban, a resident of Kanisa Zone in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, received the sentence after changing his plea from not guilty to guilty on the charge of attempted murder.
Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who delivered the sentence on Wednesday, emphasized the need for a deterrent punishment due to the severity of the crime, which was committed against a friend over the suspicion of stealing a TV belonging to Taban’s boss.
Evidence presented in court revealed that on March 26, 2024, in Kanisa Zone, Nakawa Division, Mawa Taban attempted to kill Oyirwoth Ivan, also known as Masendi.
On the day of the attack, Taban lured Ivan from his home under the pretense of offering him a casual job. However, the real intention was to take Ivan to an isolated location and torture him, accusing him of stealing the TV.
“The convict was merciless, beating the victim with a chain lock, a panga, and eventually pouring acid on him,” stated Magistrate Kayizzi. The victim suffered burns over 98% of his body, including his private parts, and remains in critical condition.
While pleading guilty, Taban confessed to premeditating the attack. Court records indicate that Ivan had deep wounds near his heart and lungs.
Magistrate Kayizzi described Taban as a “beast with no respect for human life,” noting that someone capable of pouring acid and continuing to beat the victim until unconscious showed extreme cruelty.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, Magistrate Kayizzi took into account Taban’s remorse and his decision to plead guilty, which saved the court’s time.
“Considering the nature of the offense and the severe injuries inflicted, I could have imposed the maximum sentence of death. However, due to the mitigating factors, I opted for a lesser sentence,” he said.
Taban’s time in remand—five months and five days—was deducted from his sentence, leaving him with 24 years, six months, and 17 days in prison. He was also informed of his right to appeal within 15 days.
