4 Remanded Over Terrorism and Murder of Joan Namazzi Kagezi

At the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, two convicts and two prisoners, among them a charcoal burner, were remanded in custody on charges related to terrorism and the murder of the former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Joan Namazzi Kagezi.

The accused individuals are identified as Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, a charcoal burner residing in Nsanvu village, Kitimbwa Town Council, Kayunga District; John Kibuuka, also known as Musa, currently incarcerated at Kigo Prisons; Nasur Abdallah Mugongole, a convict at Kitalya Mini Max Prisons in Mityana District; and John Masajjage, also known as Mubiru Brian, Badru, or Chongo, currently serving time at Kitalya.

Under tight security provided by the counter-terrorism police and heavily armed prison warders, the suspects were brought to the court. They were held in court cells for about an hour before being presented in a crowded courtroom, attended by over 30 prosecutors and three members of Kagezi’s family. However, only Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko and Chief State Attorney Lillian Omara Alum were present to prosecute, with others planning to register later.

The court was informed that on March 30, 2015, along with accomplices still at large, the accused individuals allegedly shot Kagezi in Kiwatule, Nakawa Division, Kampala District. They were charged with the intentional killing of Kagezi, a public institution officer, with the aim of influencing the government or instilling fear in the public.

Since Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza lacked jurisdiction over the case and the accused lacked legal representation, they were remanded to their respective prisons until November 20, 2023, while investigations continue. Irene Nakimbugwe, Deputy Spokesperson of the office of the DPP, confirmed that the convicts in this case had prior convictions related to aggravated robbery.

Jacqueline Okui, Spokesperson for the office of the DPP, redirected queries regarding the suspects’ backgrounds and the planning of the crime to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga. Enanga labeled the investigation as “protected,” reserving further details for the prosecution phase.

Despite President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s statement suggesting that Kagezi’s true killers are located in Europe, Nakimbugwe assured that the office is prepared to prosecute the case and has identified the actual suspects. This follows eight years of investigation with no prior arrests.