November 20, 2023.
KAMPALA, Uganda | The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has concluded its investigations into the tragic murder of senior prosecutor Joan Kagezi, revealing that four men have been charged in connection with the alleged crime. The accused individuals include Daniel Kisekka, 43, John Kibuuka alias Musa, 32, John Masajjage alias Brian Mubiru alias Badru alias Chongo, 50, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, 39.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Thomas Jatiko, disclosed this information before Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza, on November 20, 2023. Jatiko informed court that investigations into the matter are complete, and the DPP is reviewing the evidence for purposes of preparing committal papers to have the accused sent to the High Court to face trial.
However, the accused were not present in court as prison authorities failed to produce them, leading the magistrate to issue a production warrant. The accused are expected to appear in court on December 11, 2023.
The charges against the four include terrorism, under sections 7 (1)(a) and 2 (b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002, and murder, under sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act. Conviction on these charges carries a maximum punishment of death.
Prosecution alleges that on March 30, 2015, at Kiwatule in Nakawa Division, Kampala, the accused and others still at large unlawfully caused the death of Joan Kagezi with malice aforethought. Additionally, for the charge of terrorism, it is alleged that the accused, along with others, attacked and murdered Kagezi with the purpose of influencing the government or intimidating the public for religious, economic, or social aims, indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others.
The trial, which has been long-awaited, marks a significant step toward justice for the late prosecutor Kagezi. Her untimely death in 2015 shocked the legal community and the public at large. As the legal proceedings unfold, the courtroom awaits the accused to answer to the charges that have been leveled against them, with the potential consequences of life-altering decisions hanging in the balance.
