Course Title: Fundamentals of Criminal Liability

Course Code: NULLB 31103

Course Credit: 60 Hours 04 Credit Units
Course Level: Degree, 1st Year 1st Semester

Course Description
This course explains what Criminal Law and the categories of Crimes are, the
Causes of Crime-Epidemiology, Criminal Trial Process, Defence in Criminal
Proceedings and the African Traditional Concept of Criminal Justice.

Course Objectives
a) To explain criminal liability
b) Understand the categories of crime
c) Understand proceedings of the criminal justice system

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course unit, the students will be to:
(a) Identify crime in society.
(b) Apply the law to problematic situations in society.
(c) Provide possible solutions to the correction forms of criminal law.
(d) Appreciate the law and its application.

Course Content Total 60 Hours

Module I 4 Hrs
Nature and Sources of the Criminal Law
a) Judicature Statute 1996
b) Penal Code S.3, 17
c) Wallace – Johnson v.R (1940) AC 231/(1940) 1 Aller 241
d) R.V. Luima & others (1949) 16 E.A.C.A. 128
e) Jivraj V. Devraj (1969) E.A. 268
f) Dodhia v. National & Grindlays Bank (1970) E.A. 195
g) R. v. Zulu & Others 1961 R + N.

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h) Sawyer & Hiller, “The doctrine of PRECEDENT in the Court of Appeal for East
Africa”, Chap. 3.
i) Bazua v R (1968) HCB 309

Module II 4 Hrs
The Relevance of Customary Law
a) The Uganda Constitution 1995
b) The Penal Code ss. ; 150 A; 121 A; 273, 274.
c) R. v. Amekyo (1917) 7 E.A.P.L.R. 14.
d) Mawji v. The Queen (1956) 23 E.A.C.A. 607 & 609
e) Alai v. Uganda (1967) E.A. 596.
f) Oyat v. Uganda (1967) E.A. 827.
g) Laila Thina Manji & Anor v. The Queen 23 E.A.C.A 609.
h) Kakiyumu v. Uganda (1969) E.A. 333.
i) Abdulrahamam Bin Mohamed & Another v. R. (1963) E.A. 188.
j) Uganda v. Michael Naika 1974 HCB 145.
k) Parlo Kanyima v. R. (1982) HCB

Module III 4 Hrs

a) The Principles of Legality
a) Uganda Constitution Articles 2, 20 – 28
b) Kenya Constitution Section 77 (4)
c) Tanganyika Magistrates Courts Act S. 66
d) Gichina v. R (1970) E.A. 105
e) Avone v. Uganda (1969) E.A. 129
f) Uganda v. Solomon (1969) E.A. 46
g) R. v. Manley (1933) 1 K.B 529
h) Shaw v. D.P.P (1961) 2 All. E.R. 446/1962 A.C. 220 or Smith & Hogan 357
i) R. v. Knuller (1971) 3 All E.R. 314
j) Juma v. R. (1934) 1T. L.R. ® 195
k) Ganhji & Nasser v. R. ® 175 Z.L.R 32
l) R. v. Omari & Another (1973) E.A. 29

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 m) Lawrence Opoya & Another v. Uganda (1967) E.A. 752
n) Richard Abugu Vs Attorney General: Constitution Case No. 2 of 1997
o) Selemani v. R (1963) EACA 442 (T)

b) The Burden of Proof

 The Uganda Constitution Article 28 (3) (a)
 The Uganda Evidence Act (Cap. 43) ss. 100 – 104
 Sekitoleko v. Uganda (1967) E.A. 531
 Raphael v. Republic (1973) E.A. 473 (CA)
 Wibiro Alias Musa v. R. (1960) E.A. 184
 Woolmington v. D.P.P. (1935) A.C. 462
 D.P.P. v. Smith (1961) A.C. 290
 Kayongo’s case (1971) H.C.B Case no. 29
 Republic v. Kunga (1963) E.A. 172
 Kamau v. R. (1963) E.A. 172
 A’Kalia v. R. (1963) E.A. 448
 Bombay trading Stores v. R. (1962) E.A. 589
 Ali Hassan Mohamed v. R. (1959) E.A. 606
 Mwakawanga v. Republic (1963) E.A. 6
 Chendari v. Republic (1966) E.A. 246
 Oketh Okale v. R. (1965) E.A 555
 Ndege Managwa v. R. (1965) E.A.C.A or Criminal Appeal No. 156 of 1964

c) ACTUS REUS, MENS REUS (Intention, Recklessness, Negligence, Motive,

Malice)
 “Contemporancity of Act and Intention in Crime” (1970) 86 L.Q.R. 208
 “Mens Rea in statutory offences” 74 L.Q.R. 342.3
 Glanville Williams, “Constructive Malice Revived” 23 M.L.R 605; 77 L.Q.R.1
 Woolmington v. D.P.P. (1935) A.C. 462 (Intention)
 D.P.P v. Smith (1961) A.C 290. (Intention)
 Hyma v. D.P.P (1974) 2 All E.R 41 (House of Lords) (Intention)

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  F.M. Ssekandi, “Comment on Hyam v. D.P.P” Uganda Law Focus. (1974) vol.
2 No. 2
 Thabo Meli v. R. (1954) 1 All E.R 373
 Orete v. Uganda (1966) E.A. 430. (Common intention)
 Singh v. R. (1963) E.A. 13
 R. v. Akbarali Jehta 14 E.A.C.A 122, (Motive)
 Chandler v. D.P.P (1964) A.C 763
 Airedale v. Health Service Trust Bland (1993) 1 ALLER 821
 Okech v. Republic (1963) E.A 508
 Butiti (Masenu) v. Republic (1967) E16 (Malice)
 Katimba v. Uganda (1967) E.A 363 (Intent)
 Kyagulanyi v. Uganda (1988 – 1990) H.C.B. 16
 Mohamed v. Republic (1968) E.A 665 (Intent)
 Image v. R. (1957) E.A 94
 R. v. Muinda 6. U.L.R 163
 Daya v. Republic (1964) E.A 529
 Sethi v. R. (1962) E.A 523
 R. v. Okulo 6 U.L.R 163
 R. v. Morgan (1957) 2 W.L.R. 913
 R. v. Ngudo T.L.R 94
 Gichinga v R. 25 K.L.R 324
 Uganda v. Kato and 3 other (1976) H.C.B 204
 Uganda v. Okol (1976) H.C.B 307
 Uganda v. Musisi (1976) H.C.B 89
 Uganda v. Matovu (1977) H.C.B 231
 Uganda v. Otim (1978) H.C.B (1978) 324
 Uganda v. Basija (1977) H.C.B 119
 Uganda v. Senabulya (1978) H.C.B 27

d) Articles on Mens Rea

 TURNER:The Mental Element in Crime at Common Law 919 (36) 6 C.L.J 31.
Mens Rea and Motorists (1933) 5 C.L.J 61.

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  A.R. WHITE: Intention, Purpose, foresight and desire (1976) 5 C.L.J 61
 SELLERS J:Mens Rea and the Judicial Approach to “Bad Excuse” In criminal
Law (1975) 15 Journal of Medical Science and the law pp. 42
 ERICSON R. V.:Responsibility, Moral relativity and response ability: “Some
implications of Deviance Theory for Criminal Justice” (1975) 25 University of
Toronto law Journal 23.
 KATENDE J.W:Why were Punishments in Re-European East African mainly
compensative rather than Punitive? 1967 2 Journal of Denning Law Society p.
122.
 SEIDMAN R.B:Mens Rea and The Reasonable African: “The Pre-Scientific
World View – Point and Mistake of Fact.” (1966) A.C.L.J 14 15 I.C.L.Q 1135.

e) Participation in and liability for crime

 Parties to and Accessories to Crime and Incitement. Ss. 21, 22, 23 of UPC
 Strict liability
 Cundy v. Lecorq (1884) 13 QBD 207
 White v. R. 10 (1925) 10 K.L.R 172
 Bombay Trading Stores v. R. (1962) E.A. 589
 Mumir v. Republic (1967) E.A 430
 R. v. Nassa Ginners 2 T.L.R. 346
 May Contractors v. R. 24 1 K.L.R 70
 Constantini v. R. 4 Z.L.R 12
 Parker v. Alder (1899) 1 Q.B 20
 Hobbs v Winchester (1910) 1 K.B 471
 R. v. St. Margaret’s Trust (1959) 1 W.L.R 522
 Bwanika v. R (1957) E.A 279
 Lim Chin Aik v. The Queen (1963) 2 W.L.R 42
 Meah v. Robert (1977) W.L.R. 1187
 Warner v. Metropolitan Police Commission (1969) A.C 230/(1968) 2 Aller 356
 Ally Mzee v. R. (1970) E.A.P.
 Pharmacutical Society of Great Britain v. Stock Wain Ltd. (1986) 2 ALLER
635

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f) Vicarious Liability
 Coppen v. Moore (1898) 2 Q.B 306
 R. v. Shindu & Joseph (1939) 18 K.L.R 172 (Collective Liability)
 R. v. Magajan Ala (1943) 20 K.L.R 68
 R. v. Nazareth (1918) 7 K.L.R 106
 Prabulala v. Republic (1971) E.A. 52
 Lloyd v. Grace Smith (1912) A.C. 716
 Allen v. Whitehead (1930) 1 K.B 311
 Din v. R. 11 (1928) K.L.R 41
 Lakhani v. The Queen (1956) 29 K.L.R 177
 El Harthy v. R. (1955) 22 E.A.C.A. 404
 Gangji v. The Crown 8 Z.L.R. 147
 Linnet v. Metropolitan Police Commissioner (1946) K.B 290

g) Differences
Penal Code Act Ss. 7.820, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.

h) Mistake of Fact And Law – Penal Code Ss. 7 and 10

 R. v. Ojambo s/o Manbio (1944) 11 E.A.C.A. 97
 R. v. Mutone (1936) 3 E.A.C.A. 114
 R. v. Suwatu (1959) E.A. 364
 Leosoni v. R. (1961) E.A. 364
 Waera s/o Modoya & Others v. R. (1962) E.A. 783 (K)
 Nayanja s/o Kweku v. R. 195 23 E.A.C.A. 593 (K)
 Musa v. Republic (1970) E.A. 42
 R. v. Loevott 79 E.R, 1064
 R. v. Bailey 651 168 E.R.
 R. v. Chalamini (1955) Current Law 75
 Thabo Meli v. The Queen (1954) W.L.R. 220
 Hains Criminal Law pp. 49 – 51
 Cross & Jones 48 – 55

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i) Intoxication – Penal Code Act Section 13
 Uganda v. Karasensio Ongwech C.S.C. 867 of 1967 (Un reported)
 R. v. Nswazalugudo & Yozefu Kidemu (1945) 12 E.A.C.A. 74 (U)
 R. v. Noormohamed Kanji (1937) 4 E.A.C.A. 34 (U)
 Kongoro Alias Athumani s/o Mrisho v. R. (1956) 23 E.A.C.A. 532 (T)
 Nyakite s/o Oyugi (1959) E.A. 322
 Kinuthia s/o Kamau v. R. (1950) 17 E.A.C.A. 137
 Cheminingwa v. R. (1956) 23 E.A.C.A. 451 (U)
 Attorney General for N. Ireland v. Gallagher (1963) A.C 35
 D.P.P v. Beard (1920) A.C. 479
 Chan Kau v. R. (1955) A.C. 206
 R. v. Bonday 2 W.A.L.R. 331
 R. v. Majaeweski (1975) 3 W.L.R 401 ( 1975) 3 Aller 296
 Uganda v. Osega ( 1976) H.C.B. 7
 Uganda v. Kato & Others (1976) 204
 Uganda v. Yiga (1978) H.C

Module IV 4 Hrs
a) Insanity – Penal Code Ugandan Cases, Sections 11, 12, and 188A
 R. v. Sullivan *1984) A.C. 156
 Uganda v. Arajairi Karegyeya Part 1 (1972) U.L.R. 10
 M’Nathtens’s Case 8 E.R. 718
 R. v. Haynes 175 E.R. 718
 A.G. for Australia v. Brown (1960) A.C. 432
 R. v. Codere (1916) 12 Cr. App. R. 21
 R. v. Windle (1952) 2 Q.B. 826 (1952) 2 Aller 1
 R. v. Kemp (1957) 1 Q.B. 399
 R. v. Saidi Kabila Kimunga (1963) E.A. 1
 R. v. Ngoda (1963) E.A. 153
 R. v. Suwatu (1959) E.A. 974 (C.A.)
 Ellis v. R. (1965) E.A. 744
 Keeton: “Guilty but Insane.

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b) Provocation Ss. 187, 188 (1), (2)
 Uganda v. Ndosire (1988 – 1990) H.C.B. 46
 Uganda v. Anzima (1988 – 1990) H.C.B. 55

Module V 4 Hrs
Self – Defence, Defence of Person, Property, Public Interest, ss. 8, 17, 18
 F.M. Ssekandi, “Self-defence in Uganda” – Uganda Law Focus, vol. 1 No. 1 pp. 6
– 18
 Sulemani s/o Ussi v. Republic (1963) E.A. 442 (Defence of Person)
 R. v. Buli 173 E.R. 723
 R. v. Seully 171 E.R. 1213
 R. v. Hussey (1924) 18 Cr. App. R. 160
 R. v. Rose (1884) Cox 540
 Okeyo Kigeni v. Rep. (1965) E.A. 188 (CA)
 Oleo s/o Gau v. R. (1960) E.A. 188 (CA)
 Shibaru s/o Musungu v. R. (1955) 22 E.A.C.A. 454
 Ochuku s/o Ochende v. Rex (1952) 19 E.A.C.A. 220 (U)
 Marwa s/o Robi v. R. (1959) E.A. 660 (CA) (Defence of ppty)
 R. v. El. Abadi (1946) 7 Z.L.R. 93
 Rex v. Sekendo Bin Mange (1941) 8 E.A.C.A. 67
 A.G. of Nyasaland v. Jackson (1957) R & N 443
 R. v. Kilenga & Another 1 T.L.R. (R) 145
 Muhidiini s/o Asumani v. R. (1962) E.A. 383
 Musambi v. R. (1957) E.A. 422 (CA)
 Penal Code Ss. 17, 8, 18, 218

Articles
 Sorrarajah M:Excessive Self-Defence ( - ) Further Developments (1975) 24
I.C.L.Q 115
 Sorrarajah M:Excessive Defence in Commonwealth Law (1971) 211 C.L.Q. pp.
759

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 Elliot I.D:Excessive self-defence in Commonwealth Law: A comment (1973) 22
I.C.L.Q. 727
 James C:The Queensbury rules of Self-defence (1971) 21 I.C.L.Q. 357

Module VI 4 Hrs
Immature Age, Penal Code s. 14
a) Uganda v. Yowasi Birungi part 1 (1973)
b) R. v. Wamboi Kamau (1965) E.A. 548 (K)
c) Mwangi Kamweru & Others v. R. (1953) 20 E.A.C.A 251
d) R. v. Muola Irove (1944) 11 E.A.C.A 112
e) Kapwepwe v. R. N.R.L.R. 168
f) R. v. Opiri s/o Meope (1927) 11 K.L.R. 90
g) R. v. Waite (1892) 2 Q.B. 600
h) B. v. R. (1958) 123 J.P. 61 (also Elliot & Wood 150)
i) R. v. Kershaw (1902) 18 T.L.R 257
j) 10. Kean, “The History of the Criminal Liability of Children” 53 L.Q.R. p.
364

Module VII 4 Hrs

Immunities
a) The Constitution 1995 Art 98 (4) (5)
b) Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (Extension and Miscellaneous Provisions)
Act Cap. 317
c) Penal Code Act S. 15
d) Oddo v. Republic (1970) E.A. 254 (T)
e) Anthony Edward Otoi v. Uganda Cr. App. No. 163 of 1967
f) Said B Kionywaki v. R. (1967) H.C.B. 443

Module VIII 4 Hrs

Double Jeopardy
 The Uganda Constitution 1995 Art. 28 (9) (10), 121, (4) a
 The Penal Code Act S. 20

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 Cosma v. R. (1955) 22 E.A.C.A 450
 Seifu v. R. (1960) E.A. 338
 Salim Bin Karama v. R. (1951) E.A.C.A 304
 Kabunga s/o Magingi v. R. (1955) 22 E.A.C.A. 387, 390
 US Govt v. Atkinson (1969) 2 ALLER 1151
 Lotien and Another v. R. 23 (1956) 23. E.A.C.A 566
 Okot Walter v. Uganda H.C.C.C.A No. 3/1999 (Un reported)

Module IX 4 Hrs
Compulsion: Penal Code Ss. 16 and 19
a) Lynch v. D.P.P for N. Ireland (1975) 1 All E.R. 913
b) Josia v. Republic (1972) E.A 157
c) Me Brothers Case (1746) East 997
d) R. v. Steane (1947) K.B. 997
e) R. v. Syler & Price (1838) 8 C & P. 616
f) R. v. Gill (1963) 2 All E.R. 688
g) “Compulsion, Coercion and Cr. Responsibility” 14 M.L.R.
h) “Duress and Aiding and Abetting” 69 L.Q.R. 226
i) Cross, 69 L.Q.R. 354
j) Uganda v. Rev. Fr. Kabishanga & Another (1978) H.C.B. 69
k) R. v. Wambogo & (1924) 10 K.L.R. 3
l) M’Nduyo Kanyoro v. R. (1962) E.A. 100
m) Uganda v. Charles O. (1991) H.C.B. 36

Module X 4 Hrs
Superior Orders
a) Magayi v. Uganda (1965) E.A. 667
b) Keighly v. Bell (1866) 4 F & F 763./176 ER 781.3
c) R. v. James 173 ER 429
d) R. v. Trainer (1864) 4 F & F 105./176 ER 488
e) Others F v. West Berkshire Authority (1989) 2 ALLER 545

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Module XI 5 Hrs
Necessity
a) R. v. Dudley & Stephens (1884) 14 Q.B.D. 273
b) R. v. Bourne (1939) K.B. 687
c) R. v. Conway (1988) 3 ALLER 1025
d) Bukoke v. Greater London Council (1971) 2 ALLER 254
e) R. v. Conway (1988) 3 ALLER 1025

Module XII 5 Hrs

Conflict of Laws
a) Musui v. R. (1956) 23 E.A.C.A. 622
b) Sangare v. R. (1956) 23 E.A.C.A. 626
c) Mohamed v. R. (1957) E.A. 146
d) Zebiyo v. R. (1956) EA 505
e) Magayi v. Uganda (1965) E.A. 667
f) Rex v. Tabulayenka & Others (1943) 10 E.A.C.A. 51
g) Rex v. Mikaeri & Others (1941) 8 E.A.C.A. 84
h) Uganda v. Michael Naika Cr. Sess Case No. 76 of 1974
i) Orete v. Uganda (1966) E.A. 430
j) Barugahare v. Uganda (1969) E.A. 72

Module XIII 5 Hrs

Inchoate of Preliminary Offences
a) Penal Code Ss. 369, 370, 274, 197, 198 and 203
b) Elgood v. Regina (1968) E.A. 274
c) Andika s/o Mutiswa v. R. (1959) E.A. 18 (K)
d) Edeard s/o Michael v. R. (1948) 1 T.L.R. (R) 308
e) Haughton v. Smith (1973) A.C. 198 (House of Lords)
f) Rex v. Lubonge s/o Akirule (1932) E.A. 18 (K)
g) R. v. Dhall Ismail 20 K.L.R. 59
h) Rex v. Chemwa Arap Mugut (1933) 15 K.L.R. 137

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i) Rex v. Okello (1910) 2 y. l. r. 109
j) Paulo s/o Augustine v. R. (1952) 1 T.L.R. (R) 390
k) Mirunr v. Rep. (1967) E.A. 808 (K)
l) Katete v. Rep. (1971) E.A. 532 (K)

Module XIV 5 Hrs

Conspiracy Penal Code Ss. 373, 384, 375, etc.
a) Kabunga s/o Magingi v. R. (1954) 2
b) Chitambala Ndire & Mwansa v. R. (1961) r R & N 166
c) R. v. Mulji Jemnadas 7 Others (1946) 13 E.A.C.A. 147 (U)
d) Ongodie & Erimu v. Uganda (1967) E.A. 137
e) R. v. Gorakables Kanji Maria & Albhai Mani (1949) 16 E.A.C.A. 116
f) Mawji v. The Queen (1957) E.A. 126 (PC)
g) Patel v. R. (1956) E.A. 416
h) Chewe & Others v. R. (1958) R. & N 455
i) R. v. Zulu & Others (1961) R. & N 455
j) Adamu Mwambalefu v. Rep. (1966) E.A. 459 (T)
k) Uganda v. PQWKQLI (1976) H.C.B. 189
l) I.H. Denis; “The Rationale of Criminal Conspiracy” (1977) 93 I.Q.R. 39
m) J. Jenkins: “When is a Conspiracy like an ATTEMPT and other Impossible
Questions” (1978) 94 L.Q.R. 537
n) Midland Bank Trust Co. Ltd v. Green (1981) 3 ALLER 744
o) Chrastny (1992) 1 ALLER 189/(1994) 2 928

Teaching and Learning Methods

 Lecture method
 Group discussions
 Case Analysis

Coursework and Exam Assessment:

 Course Work 30%
 Final Examination 70%.

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Grading System
% Mark Letter Grade Point (GP) Remarks Degree Class
75 – 100 A 4.4-5.0 Excellent First Class
65 - 74 B+ 4.0-4.3 Very Good 2nd Class Upper
55 – 64 B 3.0-3.9 Good 2nd Class Lower
50 – 54 C 2.0-2.9 Fair /Pass Pass
00 – 49 D 0.0-1.9 Poor Failure

The pass mark for this course is 50%

References
Kenny's outlines of criminal law; J.W. Cecil Turner Eighth Edition (Cambridge
University Press).

Criminal law of east and central Africa, J.J.R. Collingwood London Sweet & Maxwell
(African Universities Press).

Source book of criminal law of Africa, Robert B Seidman (1966 sweet & Maxwell).

General principles of criminal law, J Hall  (1947 Bobbs-Merril).

Introduction to criminal law, Cross & Jones (11th Edition Butterworths 1988).

Cases on criminal law, Cross & Jones (5th Revised Edition Butterworths-Heineman
1973).

Cases on criminal law, JW Cecil Turner ( 2nd Edition Cambridge 1958).

Criminal law & Punishment, PJ Fitzgerald (Oxford university press First Edition
1962).

Glanville William's text book on criminal law, Dennis J Baker ( 3rd Edition Sweet &
Maxwell 2012).

Leading East African criminal law cases, Abraham Kiapi.

Criminal law, Smith & Hogan (13th Edition. Oxford).

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