KAMPALA, UGANDA — The highly anticipated trial of four suspects accused of murdering Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi has encountered a significant setback. The court-appointed lawyers, Sylvia Namawejje and Ail Hassan Kato, have withdrawn from the case due to conflicts of interest and other reasons.
The four suspects, Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, John Kibuuka, John Massajjage, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, face charges of terrorism and murder. Prosecutors allege they killed Kagezi on March 30, 2015, in Kiwatule, Kampala, to influence the government or intimidate the public.
A key prosecution witness is a witch doctor from Kayunga who allegedly performed rituals to protect the suspects from arrest. The witch doctor identified Kiwanuka, Kibuuka, and Mugonole during an identification parade. According to the prosecution, Kiwanuka secured the witch doctor’s services and led the other two to the shrine.
During the investigation, Kiwanuka reportedly confessed to participating in the murder alongside Kibuuka, Massajjage, and Mugonole. He revealed that he provided the two guns used and paid each of the suspects 500,000 Ugandan shillings as a deposit.
Prosecutors intend to rely on evidence including post-mortem reports, photographs, cartridges, mobile network clusters, and forensic reports. The suspects allegedly acted with common intention and malice aforethought.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha has directed the Deputy Registrar to appoint new lawyers on a state brief. The trial is set to continue, with the new lawyers expected to be appointed soon.
The murder of Joan Kagezi sent shockwaves through Uganda’s legal community, with many calling for swift justice. Kagezi was a senior prosecutor who had handled several high-profile cases.
Prosecutors contend that Kibuuka shot and killed Kagezi, while Massajjage was the motorcycle rider who carried Kibuuka to the scene. The two escaped on the same motorcycle after the murder.
The Uganda Police Force has been under pressure to solve the case, which has been pending for nine years.
One of the suspects, Mugonole, raised concerns about access to legal representation and relatives while being remanded at Kigo Prison. Justice Komuhangi assured him that the issue would be addressed.
The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala is handling the case, which has been delayed multiple times. The latest setback raises concerns about the ability to bring the perpetrators to justice.
