Daniel Kisekka Sentenced to 35 Years for Assassinating Joan Kagezi

Daniel Kisekka was sentenced to 35 years for his role in the 2015 murder of prosecutor Joan Kagezi. His guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that has long affected Uganda’s judicial landscape. The court underscored the crime’s premeditated nature and its impact on Kagezi’s children, while investigations into other suspects continue.

The High Court’s International Crimes Division has sentenced Daniel Kisekka to 35 years for the murder of Joan Kagezi, a prominent public prosecutor, in 2015. This case, which has lingered for nearly a decade, culminated in a guilty plea from Kisekka—also known as Daniel Kiwanuka—who accepted responsibility for the high-profile assassination that shook Uganda.

Kisekka, a 47-year-old former corporal of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), confessed to his involvement in Kagezi’s murder, which occurred on March 30, 2015. His plea was part of a bargain and consequently earned him a 35-year prison term, though he will only serve 34 years due to the time already spent on remand.

Details of the case revealed that it was a premeditated attack orchestrated for financial gain, tied to a yet-unnamed influential figure. His accomplices included Kibuuka John, Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, and Massajjage John, with Kagezi being shot while in her vehicle, witnessed by her children. Kisekka indicated that he and Nasur were on standby during the attack, whereas Kibuuka and Massajjage carried out the shooting.

During the plotting of the murder, conspirators allegedly received a UGX 500,000 down payment and were promised USD 200,000 for their role in Kagezi’s assassination. This conviction has been seen as a significant turn in a case that had eluded resolution for years, particularly after Kisekka was apprehended in Luwero District this year on unrelated charges, which sparked new leads in the investigation.

Kisekka’s criminal history dates back to 2008, with earlier convictions for aggravated robbery and desertion from UPDF in 2006. He had managed to stay beneath the radar for some time, reportedly with the aid of a witch doctor believed to be protecting him and his accomplices.

In imposing the sentence, the High Court underscored the aggravated circumstances surrounding Kagezi’s murder, particularly the impact on her children and the calculated nature of the crime. The bench was led by Justice Michael Elubu, alongside Justices Stephen Mubiru, Dr. Winfred Nabisinde, and Celia Nagawa.

Representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko emphasized the importance of justice in this case, indicating that no amount of time could erase the need for accountability. Jacquelyn Okui, the ODPP’s Public Relations Officer, noted that this conviction illustrates a continued commitment to justice in Uganda.

Joan Kagezi, who was head of the International Crimes Department at the time of her death, had been instrumental in significant terrorism and war crimes prosecutions. Her murder elicited widespread condemnation and heightened concerns regarding the safety of judicial officials in the country. Meanwhile, the cases against the other suspects—including Kibuuka, Massajjage, and Nasur—are still ongoing, highlighting that organized crime can be effectively challenged, with no one exempt from the law, regardless of their status or beliefs.

In summary, the sentencing of Daniel Kisekka is a landmark outcome in the unresolved murder of Joan Kagezi, highlighting the efforts of law enforcement in resolving a case that has haunted Uganda for years. While Kisekka will serve time behind bars, the judicial system’s resolve in addressing this murder brings a sense of justice for Kagezi’s family. The ongoing investigations into the other suspects also promise further accountability in this high-profile case.

Original Source: softpower.ug