The High Court in Kampala has denied bail to former Special Investigations Unit (SIU) commander SSP Nickson Agasiirwe Karuhanga, who is facing murder charges over the killing of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Namazzi Kagezi more than a decade ago.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Isaac Muwata dismissed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the offence, the risk of interference with witnesses, and multiple ongoing criminal investigations involving Agasiirwe.

Agasiirwe had applied for bail under Article 23(6)(a) of the Constitution and the Judicature (Bail Guidelines for Courts of Judicature) Practice Directions, 2022, arguing that he had spent over 180 days on remand without trial, maintained his innocence, and had a fixed residence in Kira Municipality.

He also raised concerns about the potential health risks of continued detention and presented three sureties, pledging to comply with any court conditions.

He referenced his previous compliance with bail conditions during proceedings before the General Court Martial related to kidnapping charges.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the application, contending that Agasiirwe was a flight risk due to the capital nature of the offence, which carries a possible death penalty.

Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka questioned the credibility of the sureties, citing insufficient financial capacity and unverifiable permanent residences, and argued that their close ties to Agasiirwe could undermine guarantees of his court appearance.

Prosecution further warned that, given his senior police rank, Agasiirwe was likely to interfere with witnesses and disrupt ongoing investigations into multiple charges that had not yet been filed.

In his ruling, Justice Muwata noted that while courts have discretion to grant bail, it must be balanced against the interests of justice.

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