Daniel Kisekka Sentenced to 35 Years Over Joan Kagezi Murder

Daniel Kisekka has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2015 murder of Joan Kagezi, a notable Ugandan prosecutor. His guilty plea under a plea bargain sees him serving 34 years after time already spent on remand. This case stands as a crucial victory for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and a deterrent against organized crime in Uganda.

In a significant development in Uganda’s legal landscape, the High Court has convicted Daniel Kisekka for his role in the 2015 murder of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Kagezi. Kisekka, who hails from Nsava village in Kayunga District, accepted a plea bargain. This deal resulted in a 35-year prison sentence, however, due to his time already spent in remand, he will ultimately serve 34 years.

Joan Kagezi, tragically killed on March 30, 2015, was shot in her vehicle in Kiwatule, a crime witnessed by her children. Kisekka, a former corporal in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has confessed that the murder was part of a premeditated plot involving financial motives. The assassins, including Kisekka and other alleged accomplices, were said to be promised significant sums for their roles in her execution.

The case, which once languished in obscurity, took a turn when Kisekka was apprehended in Luwero District on unrelated charges in 2023. His subsequent confession has reignited interest in the investigation, allowing authorities to piece together the conspiracy behind Kagezi’s murder. The court heard how Kisekka and others received UGX 500,000 upfront, with a promise of USD 200,000 once the deed was done.

Kisekka has a criminal background that extends back to 2008, including previous charges for aggravated robbery and army desertion. Notably, he had eluded arrest for years, allegedly utilizing mystical rituals purportedly conducted by a witch doctor to protect himself and his alleged co-conspirators.

In delivering the sentence, the High Court judges highlighted the aggravated circumstances surrounding the case. The panel, which included Justice Michael Elubu and three other justices, pointed out the calculated nature of the crime, especially as Kagezi’s children were present during the attack. These factors illustrated a profound disregard for human life and justice.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) expressed satisfaction with the conviction, viewing it as a vital step towards justice. Jacquelyn Okui, the ODPP’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of this outcome, stating that their mission is to pursue justice no matter how much time has passed.

Kagezi had been a notable figure in Uganda’s legal system, leading key prosecutions in serious terrorism and war crime cases. Her assassination not only shocked the legal community but raised alarms about the safety and security of judicial officials in the region.

The case against Kisekka’s co-accused—Kibuuka, Massajjage, and Nasur—remains ongoing as authorities continue to pursue leads. The conviction of Kisekka serves as a stark reminder that crime will not be tolerated, reinforcing the message that all individuals are subject to the law, regardless of their background or affiliations. The strategic use of plea bargains in this instance also illustrates an effective means of unraveling intricate criminal networks.

The sentencing of Daniel Kisekka for the murder of Joan Kagezi represents a remarkable achievement for the Ugandan legal system, bringing long-awaited justice in a case that has lingered for nearly a decade. This development not only underscores the determination of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to tackle serious crimes but also sends a firm message against organized crime. As investigations continue into the other suspects, Kisekka’s conviction highlights that no one is above the law, irrespective of any connections, and emphasizes the efficacy of plea deals in such cases.

Original Source: softpower.ug