The International Crimes Division of the High Court has sentenced Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka to 35 years in prison for his role in the murder of Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Namazzi Kagezi.
A panel of four judges, led by Justice Michael Elubu, handed down the sentence after Kisekka pleaded guilty under a plea bargain agreement. Kisekka, a former soldier in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), admitted to aiding in the planning and execution of Kagezi’s assassination on March 30, 2015.
Although he was not the shooter, Kisekka confessed to coordinating with co-conspirators, cleaning and distributing the murder weapons, and participating in surveillance on the day of the killing.
The court accepted an amended indictment following the prosecution’s withdrawal of terrorism charges through a nolle prosequi signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo.
The court heard that Kisekka had deserted the army after stealing two AK-47 rifles and later joined a criminal gang led by John Kibuuka. Kibuuka allegedly promised up to \$200,000 for Kagezi’s assassination, but Kisekka received only Shs500,000. Kibuuka is said to have been the gunman, with others playing supportive roles.
Kagezi, who was prosecuting high-profile terrorism cases, was shot twice in the neck while driving with her children in Ntinda, Kampala. She died upon arrival at Mulago Hospital.
Prosecutors, led by Thomas Jatiko, emphasized the broader implications of Kagezi’s murder on Uganda’s judicial system. Her children’s victim impact statements detailed the lasting psychological toll and their experience of losing a parent.
While Kisekka expressed remorse and apologized to the family and government, the court underscored the seriousness of the crime. Justice Elubu reminded him of his right to appeal the sentence within 14 days. The court also ordered that the time Kisekka spent in remand—1 year, 6 months, and 13 days—be deducted from his sentence.
The trial continues for the remaining three suspects—John Kibuuka, Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, and John Masajjage—as the court seeks new legal counsel following the withdrawal of the previous defense lawyers.
Joan Kagezi, who was buried on April 2, 2015, is remembered for her commitment to justice and her service to Uganda.
Also Read: NCHE Warns Against Misuse of Honorary Doctorates, Bans Use of ‘Dr.’ Title by Recipients
