Nearly a decade after the Joan Kagezi murder, authorities finally charged former elite police officer Nickson Agasirwe with orchestrating the killing. On Monday, armed officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit escorted him to Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court at 10 a.m. sharp.
Agasirwe arrived in a grey police van, commonly known as a “drone.” He wore a grey, black, white, and green checked shirt, black trousers, and brown leather shoes. The elite officer looked visibly tense as he stepped out. Despite the intense atmosphere, he walked silently under close watch.
After years of speculation and delay, court officials formally charged him and ordered his remand to Luzira Upper Prison. State prosecutors now accuse Agasirwe of using government resources to finance and coordinate the Joan Kagezi murder, which ultimately disrupted major terrorism trials in Uganda.
Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi clarified that the court could only read the charge. Since Ugandan law prohibits lower courts from accepting pleas for capital offenses, Agasirwe remained silent. The charge states that Agasirwe and others, with intent and planning, caused Kagezi’s death on March 30, 2015, in Kiwatule, Nakawa Division, Kampala.
Unknown assailants shot Kagezi while she sat in her car with her children. Notably, she had stopped to buy groceries on her way home. At the time, she led the prosecution of suspects in the 2010 Kampala bombings—a complex case involving links to the al-Shabaab terror network. Consequently, her critical role made her a high-priority target.
Her death shocked the entire country. Furthermore, it temporarily stalled several ongoing anti-terrorism trials. Recently, the investigation gained momentum when a convicted killer named Daniel Kisekka testified. Under oath, he revealed that a man named “Nickson” paid for the hit using a government vehicle.
Kisekka, who is serving a 35-year sentence, alleged that the motive behind the Joan Kagezi murder was her interference in terrorism-related cases involving Muslim suspects. His testimony directly implicated Agasirwe and revived public interest in the long-dormant case.
While in court, Agasirwe requested a postponement. He argued that his lawyer only learned about the court appearance at the last minute and therefore couldn’t attend. “I have a right to legal representation,” he asserted. Nevertheless, Magistrate Nyadoi denied the request, explaining that his lawyer could still access the case record and prepare adequately.
Meanwhile, Principal State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, who leads the prosecution, informed the court that investigations are ongoing. As a result, he requested more time to gather evidence before the case moves to the High Court for full trial. The magistrate agreed and scheduled the next court session for July 8, during which Agasirwe will remain in Luzira.
This isn’t Agasirwe’s first time facing serious charges. In 2017, authorities arrested him alongside former police boss Gen Kale Kayihura. Back then, they accused him of illegal grenade possession and forcefully repatriating Rwandan refugees. That case damaged the credibility of Uganda’s law enforcement leadership.
Agasirwe’s law enforcement career began during Operation Wembley, a task force launched by President Museveni to curb violent crime. Over time, he rose quickly through the ranks. His assignments included stints in elite squads like the Violent Crime Crack Unit (VCCU) and the Flying Squad Unit.
Eventually, he pursued academic qualifications, returning to school to complete his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education. Afterward, he earned a law degree from Uganda Islamic University. Despite his achievements, controversy followed him.
In 2004, he faced allegations of killing a street boy in Masaka, but investigators cleared him. In 2013, Gen David Sejusa accused him of being part of an assassination group connected to the “Muhoozi Project.” Later, the government exonerated him of involvement in the 2017 murder of AIGP Andrew Kaweesi after confirming he was in training at Bwebajja Police College at the time.
In 2018, the military arrested him again. They charged him with failing to protect war materiel and unlawfully repatriating refugees. Though he later secured bail, the charges lingered until 2024 when prosecutors officially dropped the case. Unfortunately for Agasirwe, his legal troubles have now deepened with the Joan Kagezi murder indictment.
Today, the public, legal community, and Kagezi’s grieving family are watching closely. The latest charges mark a critical moment. Whether the trial finally delivers justice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after nearly a decade of silence, the road to accountability has officially begun.
