Daniel Kisekka Sentenced to 35 Years for Joan Kagezi’s Murder
Daniel Kisekka has been convicted of the 2015 murder of Joan Kagezi and sentenced to 35 years in prison, amidst a conspiracy involving several accomplices. His guilty plea marks progress in a high-profile case that had remained unresolved for years. The case draws attention to the ongoing fight against organized crime in Uganda.
In a notable ruling, Daniel Kisekka has been sentenced to 35 years for the 2015 murder of Joan Kagezi Namazzi, the former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in Uganda. The conviction was secured by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) after Kisekka, 47, entered a guilty plea under a plea bargain. He will actually serve 34 years due to the year he has already spent in remand.
The murder, which took place in Kiwatule, shocked the nation, involving a cold and calculated conspiracy linked to a figure whose name remains hidden. Kisekka and his accomplices were part of a plan that resulted in Kagezi being shot while in her car with her children present. The court heard that Kibuuka John was the one who shot Kagezi, while Kisekka admitted his role was to act as backup during the attack.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that each conspirator was promised a substantial payment for their involvement—initially receiving a UGX 500,000 with the promise of USD 200,000 for the successful execution of the murder. Kisekka’s arrest occurred in 2023 on unrelated charges, which eventually led to his confession and pivotal details that resurrected the case, which had been stagnant for years.
The judge took into account the presence of Kagezi’s children during this horrific act, emphasizing that it reflected a blatant disregard for human life. The ruling was delivered by a panel of justices including Justice Michael Elubu, Justice Stephen Mubiru, Justice Dr. Winfred Nabisinde, and Justice Celia Nagawa. The gravity of the crime and its premeditated nature manifested in the severity of the sentence.
Kisekka’s past includes a criminal history going back to 2008, with charges for aggravated robbery and being absent without leave from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). Interestingly, it was previously reported that Kisekka and his co-accused sought help from a witch doctor to evade justice.
The conviction has been described by Jacquelyn Okui, Public Relations Officer for ODPP, as a pivotal step, reflecting their commitment to uphold justice, no matter how much time has passed. Kagezi was known for her leading role in prosecuting important cases, including those related to terrorism and war crimes, which heightened the impact of her assassination on both national and international levels.
As investigations continue for the remaining suspects—Kibuuka, Massajjage, and Nasur—the conviction of Kisekka signals an urgent message against organized crime in Uganda. It highlights the importance of strategic legal approaches, such as plea bargaining, in the effort to break up criminal networks, reaffirming that judicial officers must be protected and that justice will prevail regardless of circumstances.
The conviction of Daniel Kisekka, sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Joan Kagezi, represents a significant step forward in a case that had lingered in the shadows for nearly a decade. This ruling not only sends a message about accountability for heinous crimes but also highlights the role of judicial processes in ensuring justice, particularly for the protection of legal professionals in Uganda. The ongoing investigations into Kisekka’s co-conspirators showcase the determination to confront organized crime decisively.
Original Source: softpower.ug
