By Our Reporter
Nearly ten years have passed since Uganda lost a senior government prosecutor in a killing that shocked the country.
On an evening in March 2015, Joan Namazzi Kagezi stopped in Kiwatule to buy fruit for her children. While she stood beside her car, with three of her children inside, two men on motorcycles approached and shot her dead. They quickly rode away, leaving many questions behind.
Kagezi was known for handling serious cases, including those involving terrorism, war crimes, and corruption. Her death raised concerns across the country and left a gap in the justice system.
In the years following the incident, the investigation slowed, and no one was charged. In 2023, however, new arrests were made. The suspects included Massajjage John, Kibuuka John, Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole.
Police linked them to the killing and began uncovering more details.
According to investigators, after the attack, some suspects travelled to Kayunga District to meet a traditional healer. The visit was not for healing or prayers, but reportedly to perform rituals meant to prevent their arrest, a practice known locally as “tying the case.”
Kiwanuka told police that he and two others visited the healer, who admitted to helping them. He was later imprisoned in a separate case. During a police lineup, the healer identified the three men.
Investigators also relied on other forms of evidence. Mobile phone records placed two suspects at the crime scene at the time of the shooting.
Witness statements, bullet casings, and forensic evidence helped support the case. Kiwanuka gave details about how the group escaped and how motorcycles were used during and after the attack.
Court documents indicated that the attack was planned and funded. Reports suggested that $200,000 was paid for the killing, with some of the money used to pay the traditional healer. Investigators believe the guns used came from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
One suspect reportedly said the killing was a paid job, and that part of the money was given in advance.
During a pre-trial session, Justice Alice Komuhangi said the killing was aimed at causing fear among government prosecutors and disturbing national peace. The court considered it an act of terrorism because it was planned and carried out with clear intent.
The court also noted that the suspects remained hidden for many years due to coordination and planning, including the use of rituals.
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