Court in Nwoya has sentenced an 18-year-old man to two years imprisonment for stealing his uncle’s goat worth contrary to Article261 and 264 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution told court that on August 15, 2021, Elvis Okot, a resident of Tee Ajaa Village in Lii Sub-county, Nwoya District stole a goat worth Shs90,000 belonging to his uncle, Mr Filbert Odong.
The convict was arrested by residents before being handed over to officers at Koch Goma police post with the stolen goats.
Appearing before the Nwoya Grade One Magistrate, Susan Anyeko, yesterday (Tuesday), September 1, 2021, Okot pleaded guilty to the offence saying he stole and sold off the goat to raise money to hire a motorcycle taxi (boda-boda) rider.
Upon pleading guilty, Okot regretted his action and requested for leniency asking court to sentence him for at least six months saying he was willing to negotiate with his uncle.
“I never intended to steal the goat. But due to hardships, I was tempted to because I wanted to get back to my maternal family.” He averred.
However, in her verdict, Ms Anyeko noted that theft is a rampant offence within the court’s jurisdiction, thus, insisted and sentenced the convict to two years in prison as a deterrent to others.
“Despite pleading guilty to the offence, not wasting court’s time; this two-year sentence will serve as a deterrent to others that may intend to commit the same offence which has become so rampant.” Ms Anyeko said.
The law
Article 261 of the Penal Code Act of Uganda states that any person who steals anything capable of being stolen, commits a felony called theft and is liable, unless owing to the circumstances of the theft or the nature of the thing stolen some other punishment is provided, to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
