In a chilling revelation, fresh details have surfaced regarding the heinous assassination of senior prosecutor Joan Kagezi. It has come to light that the four alleged perpetrators were promised a staggering sum of $200,000 (approximately Shs775m) to carry out the nefarious deed, wherein Kagezi was fatally shot near a grocery store in the Kiwatule suburb of Kampala.
However, startling revelations from the annual crime report indicate a twist in the narrative, disclosing that each suspect purportedly received a mere Shs500,000 for their involvement in the despicable act.
The tragic incident unfolded on March 30, 2015, when Kagezi fell victim to armed assailants in what was purportedly a retaliatory strike due to her unwavering dedication to prosecuting individuals implicated in acts of terrorism.
The apprehension of the four suspects—John Kibuuka, Daniel Kisekka, John Masajjage, and Nasur Mugomole—came eight years post the abominable offense. Following their arrest, they were arraigned in court on charges of terrorism and murder, subsequently remanded to prison on November 6, 2023.
The revelation of the meticulously planned operation sheds light on the intricate web of deceit and malice woven by the perpetrators. It is disclosed that the scheming commenced in early March 2015, with Kibuuka orchestrating the mission and enlisting the aid of Kisekka, Masajjage, and Mugomole.
A clandestine meeting at Kibuuka’s residence in Kyebando, Kawempe Division, marked the inception of the sinister plot, wherein the suspects were briefed on their odious task. Allegations suggest that Kagezi was targeted due to her relentless pursuit of justice against individuals affiliated with terrorism.
The intricate planning involved promises of substantial monetary rewards and the provision of AK47 rifles by Kibuuka, laying the groundwork for the heinous act that would transpire on that fateful day.
The meticulously orchestrated plan culminated in Kagezi’s tragic demise outside a grocery store in Kiwatule, as she innocently went about her routine. The perpetrators, armed and lying in wait, ruthlessly executed their mission, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Despite their attempts to evade justice, meticulous investigative work, aided by crucial information divulged by one of the suspects, ultimately led to their apprehension. President Museveni himself commended the efforts of Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the police in ensuring the perpetrators were brought to book.
The harrowing account of Kagezi’s final moments serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those dedicated to upholding justice in the face of adversity. As the perpetrators await trial, the memory of Joan Kagezi, a stalwart in the pursuit of justice, remains indelibly etched in the annals of Ugandan legal history.
Joan Kagezi, a distinguished Ugandan lawyer and prosecutor, met an untimely demise on March 30, 2015, at the hands of assailants in Kiwatule, Kampala. With a career spanning over two decades, Kagezi’s unwavering commitment to public service and the pursuit of justice serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit. From her tenure as assistant director of public prosecution to her pivotal role in the International Criminal Division, Kagezi’s legacy continues to inspire a generation of legal practitioners dedicated to upholding the rule of law.
