Fresh details have surfaced regarding the murder of senior prosecutor Joan Kagezi. The report reveals that the four suspected killers were allegedly promised a substantial sum of $200,000 (approximately Shs775 million) to carry out the mission, wherein Kagezi was fatally shot near a grocery store in Kiwatule, a suburb of Kampala.
Contrary to initial reports, the latest disclosure in the annual crime report indicates that each of the four suspects received Shs500,000 for their involvement in the crime. The tragic incident occurred on March 30, 2015, and was believed to be a retaliatory act due to Kagezi’s relentless efforts in prosecuting individuals accused of terrorism.
The suspects—John Kibuuka, Daniel Kisekka, John Masajjage, and Nasur Mugomole—were apprehended eight years after the heinous crime took place. They were charged with terrorism and murder before being remanded to prison on November 6, 2023.
The investigation into Kagezi’s murder unfolded with the inadvertent disclosure of details by one of the suspects to fellow inmates while being remanded on another criminal offense. This information eventually reached operatives of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), leading to further arrests and developments in the case.
The planning of Kagezi’s assassination reportedly began in early March 2015 when Kibuuka initiated contact with Kisekka, Masajjage, and Mugomole for the mission. Subsequent meetings and briefings took place, culminating in the fatal attack on Kagezi near her residence.
The suspects allegedly received instructions and funding for the mission, with suspicions pointing towards the involvement of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Kibuuka, the alleged mastermind, reportedly provided the firearms used in the attack and orchestrated the logistics of the operation.
On the day of the murder, the suspects carried out the plan as orchestrated, with Kibuuka ultimately shooting Kagezi multiple times. Following the execution of the crime, the suspects fled the scene and later underwent a cleansing ritual at a shrine to purportedly evade detection.
Despite attempts to conceal their involvement, the suspects were eventually apprehended and charged in connection with Kagezi’s murder. They remain in custody awaiting trial, as the investigation continues to unravel the intricacies of this tragic event.
Joan Kagezi, a dedicated Ugandan lawyer and prosecutor, was known for her commitment to justice and public service throughout her illustrious career. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the legal community, highlighting the dangers faced by those working to uphold the rule of law.
