Iganga acid attack convict sentenced to 35 years in prison

IGANGA - While passing the sentence, the Iganga Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu Kiboko, said that he gave the convict such a punishment to deter others who may engage in such gruesome acts in society.

He also cited the grievous harm inflicted on Rebecca Babirye's nose, eyes and private parts, which were permanently damaged in the attack.

Kiboko also noted that such offences carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but he sympathised with the convict since he has three children with the victim, whom he should care for after serving his sentence.

Kiboko sentenced Charles Basoga to 35 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of pouring acid on his ex-wife, and the mother of his three children.

The 50-year-old who lives in Mayuge town will serve the sentence at Iganga prison.

The sentence excited both the victim and some of his relatives, who had been escorting her to court for a period of over 5 years.

Babirye hailed the magistrate for the judgment.

In brief remarks,  she described life as tough after losing her sight, sense of smell, and sections of her private parts, which were completely damaged and became non-functional.

Babirye, who was a law enforcement officer at Mayuge Town Council, asked other people to refrain from such acts, citing the tough situation she was going through in life after the attack.

Joshua Waiswa, a brother of the victim, hailed the police officers who handled the file and the office of the state attorney who helped them achieve the long-awaited justice.

The convict Basoga expressed desertification, citing failure to bring one of his co-accused who went on the run after securing bail.

The accused committed the offence on 20 June 2019 at the victim's in Sese Zone in Mayuge town, where she had rented after separating from the convict.