A court assessor has advised the High Court’s International Crimes Division to convict three men accused of murdering former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Namazzi Kagezi, who was shot dead in Kampala in March 2015.
In an opinion delivered today, assessor Judith Muhairwe said the prosecution had proved the essential ingredients of murder against John Kibuuka, John Massajage, also known as Brian Mubiru, Badru Chongo, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole.
The trial is being heard by a panel of four judges led by Justice Andrew Bashaija, alongside Justice Richard Wabwire Wejuli, Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, and Justice Duncan Gaswaga.
The case initially involved four accused persons, including Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, who pleaded guilty to participating in the murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
He later testified for the prosecution against his former co-accused.
Kagezi was shot dead on March 30, 2015, at about 7 p.m. in Kiwatule, a Kampala suburb.
In her opinion, Muhairwe said the prosecution’s evidence established that Kagezi had died, that her killing was unlawful, that it was committed with malice aforethought, and that the accused persons participated in the crime.
The assessor cited testimony from several witnesses, including one reportedly present at the scene of the shooting, as well as evidence from a pathologist who examined Kagezi’s body at City Mortuary in Mulago on March 31, 2015.
Muhairwe said the pathologist’s findings, together with other witness accounts, corroborated the evidence that Kagezi died from gunshot injuries. She added that the use of firearms and the circumstances surrounding the attack supported the conclusion that the killing was unlawful.
On malice aforethought, the assessor referred to testimony alleging that the attackers planned the killing, waited for Kagezi, and shot her.
She also noted evidence indicating that money had allegedly been paid or promised to individuals involved in the plot.
The assessor’s opinion is a recommendation to the court and does not constitute a final verdict. The judges will determine the case based on the evidence and applicable law.
By Our Reporter
28th Oct 2026
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