Kabale Court Sentences Man to Two Years for Marijuana Possession
The Kabale Chief Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced 31-year-old Emmanuel Ariho after he pleaded guilty to charges of smoking and being in possession of marijuana, contrary to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 2016.
The court heard that the accused, a boda boda rider and resident of Southern Division in Kabale District, was arrested on March 23, 2026, while engaging in the unlawful act. In proceedings before His Worship Derrick Byamugisha, the prosecution, led by state prosecutor Isaac Onyango, noted that while the accused had no prior record, narcotic offences remain a regional concern.
The State noted the offences carries up to 14 years’ imprisonment but recommended 4 years, considering Ariho’s guilty plea. The accused cited marijuana’s impact on his mental health and promised to reform, leading to a two-year sentence at Ndorwa Government Prison.
