The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has ordered four suspects to stand trial for the murder of the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Kagezi in 2015.
The suspects, Kisekka Daniel Kiwanuka, Kibuuka John aka Musa, Masajjage John aka Mubiru Brian aka Badru aka Chongo, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, face charges of murder and terrorism.
According to Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, the prosecution presented sufficient evidence linking the suspects to the crime, warranting a full trial.
The evidence included confession statements from Kisekka, who revealed that he, along with Kibuuka and Massajjage, participated in the murder. Additionally, call data records placed two of the suspects near the scene of the crime on the day of the murder.
The prosecution also relied on the testimony of a witch doctor who performed rituals on the suspects to protect them from being identified as the perpetrators. The witch doctor was paid Shs200, 000 for his services. The suspects’ actions, according to the prosecution, demonstrate a clear intention to commit a crime and evade justice.
The suspects were arrested between 2015 and 2023, with Kibuuka being arrested in April 2015, and Massajjage being arrested in August 2023. Kisekka and another suspect were arrested in October 2023 in connection with a theft of property. The arrests were made possible through a combination of intelligence gathering and forensic analysis.
The trial will proceed before a panel of justices, where the prosecution will present more evidence against the suspects. The defense will also have the opportunity to present their case and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. If convicted, the suspects face a maximum punishment of death by hanging.
The murder of Joan Kagezi, who was the lead prosecutor in the 2010 Kampala twin bombing case, sent shockwaves through the country. The arrest and trial of the suspects bring hope for justice and closure for the family and friends of the late prosecutor. The case highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Uganda.
The pre-trial hearing is a critical step in the judicial process, allowing the court to assess the evidence and determine whether there is sufficient grounds to proceed to trial. In this case, the court has determined that there is enough evidence to warrant a full trial. The trial is expected to be closely watched, with many Ugandans eagerly awaiting justice for the murdered prosecutor.
