Kawsu Gassama received a five-year prison sentence from the Brusubi Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of dealing in prohibited drugs and possession of cocaine for trafficking. Magistrate A. Fofana handed down the judgement. Gassama had been arrested on June 18, 2026. During the proceedings, Gassama expressed remorse, stating, "I have six children, and they all depend on me for survival. I also have about eighteen members of my extended family who depend on me. I regret my actions, and I shall never engage in such behaviour again."
The sentencing took place at the Brusubi Magistrates' Court, where Magistrate A. Fofana presided over the case. Kawsu Gassama, the accused, had previously entered a plea of guilty to the charges leveled against him, which included both dealing in prohibited drugs and the more serious offense of possession of cocaine for trafficking. The court's decision on Wednesday concluded a legal process that began with Gassama's arrest on June 18, 2026. His emotional statement during the proceedings noted his personal circumstances and a plea for leniency, emphasizing his regret and commitment to avoiding future illicit activities.
Charges and Evidence
Kawsu Gassama faced charges of dealing in prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 33(1)(d) of the Drug Control Act 2003, Cap. 13:05, Volume III. Specifically, prosecutors alleged he acquired and possessed 2 kilograms and 192 grams of cocaine. This substantial quantity of the controlled substance was discovered inside his Cadillac motor vehicle, which bore the registration number BJL KM 5942 F. The alleged location of this possession was identified as around Senegambia, Kololi, and various other places falling within the court's jurisdiction. The charges were meticulously laid out, detailing the specific legal provisions violated by Gassama's actions.
The investigation led to the discovery of the illicit drugs within Gassama's personal vehicle, a critical piece of evidence presented to the court. The Cadillac, identifiable by its registration number BJL KM 5942 F, served as the location where the 2 kilograms and 192 grams of cocaine were found. This discovery formed the basis of the first charge, dealing in prohibited drugs, as defined by Section 33(1)(d) of the Drug Control Act 2003, Cap. 13:05, Volume III. The legal framework under which Gassama was prosecuted is clearly stipulated in this Act, which provides stringent penalties for drug-related offenses. The prosecution further asserted that the alleged possession occurred across multiple locations, including Senegambia and Kololi, indicating a broader scope of activity within the court's geographical jurisdiction.
Gassama was additionally charged with possessing the same quantity of cocaine with the intent of drug trafficking. This second charge was contrary to Section 43(1)(b) of the Drug Control Act. The differentiation between the two charges shows the severity of Gassama's actions, with the intent to traffic carrying a more significant legal consequence. The prosecution argued that the quantity of cocaine found, 2 kilograms and 192 grams, was indicative of an intent to distribute rather than for personal use, thereby elevating the offense to drug trafficking under the relevant section of the Drug Control Act.
Sentencing Details
Magistrate A. Fofana sentenced Kawsu Gassama to five years' imprisonment for the second count, which involved possession of cocaine for drug trafficking. This specific sentence was handed down after careful consideration of the evidence and Gassama's guilty plea. For the first charge, dealing in prohibited drugs, Magistrate Fofana imposed a two-year imprisonment sentence. The court ordered that both sentences would run concurrently, meaning Gassama will serve a total of five years behind bars, as the two-year sentence for dealing will be served at the same time as the five-year sentence for trafficking.
The concurrent nature of the sentences means that while Gassama was found guilty on two distinct charges, the total time he will spend incarcerated is determined by the longer of the two sentences. Magistrate A. Fofana's decision to impose a five-year term for the possession of cocaine with intent to traffic reflects the gravity of drug trafficking offenses under the Drug Control Act. The two-year sentence for dealing in prohibited drugs, though shorter, still represents a significant penalty for his involvement in illicit drug activities. The court's judgment thus ensures that Gassama is held accountable for both aspects of his criminal conduct.
Personal Circumstances
Kawsu Gassama, during his court appearance, noted the significant personal impact of his actions. He told the court that he has six children who rely on him for their survival. Gassama also stated that approximately eighteen members of his extended family are dependent upon him. He expressed remorse for his conduct, adding, "I regret my actions, and I shall never engage in such behaviour again." These personal circumstances were presented to the Brusubi Magistrates' Court as part of his plea for a more lenient sentence, emphasizing the severe consequences his imprisonment would have on his dependents.
His statement to Magistrate A. Fofana showed the broader societal implications of his conviction, affecting not only himself but also a substantial number of individuals who look to him for support. The dependency of his six children and eighteen extended family members painted a picture of a man whose actions, though criminal, had deep roots in his family's welfare. Despite his remorse and the personal hardship his family faces, the court ultimately delivered a sentence reflecting the serious nature of drug trafficking offenses, balancing personal pleas with the imperative of upholding the law.
