Joan Kagezi killers charged with terrorism and murder, remanded

Kampala, (UG): The four suspects linked to the violent and brutal murder of the late Joan Kagezi, a former Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have today (Monday) been arraigned in court and charged with murder.

The suspects include; Kisekka Daniel Kiwanuka, 43, John Kibuuka alias Musa Male, 32, John Massajjage, 50, alias Brain Mubiru and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole Male, 39.

The quartet which has been on the run since 30th March 2015 when they brutally murdered Kagezi was finally arrested by the Joint Task Team of the Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Internal Security Organization (ISO), and the Counter Terrorism police department (CT).

Now barely a day after the President revealed the news of their apprehension in a Sunday statement, they (the suspects) today appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza who formally read the charges of terrorism contrary to section 7(1)(a) and (2)(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2002 and murder contrary to sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act Cap 120.

With no permission to take plea due to the nature of their crime, the magistrate remanded them to Luzira and forwarded their case file to the High Court which has the jurisdictions to try them on the terrorism and murder charges.

“You are here for the purposes of communicating to you about the charges. This court lacks jurisdiction to entertain your plea so you are remanded until November 20, 2023, when you will return for further mention,” Mr Kakooza held.

State Prosecution led by Lilian Omara and Thomas Jatiko contends that the suspects and others still at large on March 30, 2015, at Kiwatule, Nakawa Division in Kampala District; for purposes of influencing the government or intimidating the public or a section of the public and for a political, religious, social or economic aim, indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property, directly involved themselves or were complicit in the attack on and murder of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Namazzi Kagezi, a person in Public Institution.

Prosecution further contends that the suspects and others still at large with malice aforethought murdered Kagezi by shooting.

Speaking to journalists at Naguru earlier today, police spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga said that details about the murder plot and related conspiracies will be availed during the prosecution and hearing of the case.

“We would like to thank the ODPP for their valuable assistance, in evaluating the evidence gathered and in guiding the investigations,” Mr Enanga stated.

“We would like to join H.E. The President, to commend the work of CID, ISO, CT, ODPP and other stakeholders for pursuing these long-term wanted criminals. As the Joint Security Agencies, we pledge to continue using our full investigative resources, to pursue all those responsible for violent crimes, like this one, and ensure they are brought to book,” he added.