The dead silent murders gripping Uganda reveal a troubling pattern of unresolved killings. Recent developments, such as charging Senior Superintendent Nickson Agasirwe with the murder of Joan Kagezi, highlight a cycle of violence that authorities have yet to fully explain. These cases often involve brazen attacks in Kampala and beyond, yet the State struggles to find clear answers.
Early mornings in Kampala have seen chilling scenes: an SUV weaves through traffic but suddenly stops when gunshots pierce its tires. Then, a motorcyclist approaches, firing at occupants before speeding away, often shooting into the air to deter witnesses. This does not come from a movie script but from real events that have unfolded in Uganda, particularly since the 1990s. Authorities have often blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed rebel group active in eastern DR Congo, but many questions remain.
In several cases, police arrested suspects—mostly Muslim men—but convictions failed to provide full clarity. The victims, ranging from politicians and security officers to social media personalities, seem unrelated. The ADF never claimed responsibility, and the attacks rarely extended beyond quick, deadly ambushes. Could there be more beneath the surface?
The rearrest and charging of former SSP Nickson Agasirwe for Joan Kagezi’s murder reopened wounds and revived conspiracy theories. Kagezi, a former Chief Prosecutor, died after gunmen shot her in front of her children while she shopped. A convicted suspect claims Agasirwe masterminded the killing. Authorities have remanded Agasirwe, with his trial pending.
Several other high-profile murders follow this grim pattern. Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Kirumira died after gunmen shot him in his car in 2018. He had publicly warned that his life was at risk. Authorities arrested suspects but acquitted all of them due to lack of evidence. Similarly, Isaac ‘Mando Zebra’ Ssenyange, a former boxing captain, died in a 2020 attack. President Museveni confirmed that state security personnel had been involved, yet suspects remain free.
Gunmen ambushed General Edward Katumba Wamala in 2021, killing his daughter and driver while he survived. Security forces arrested several suspects, with some still on trial, while the court released others due to insufficient evidence. Other unresolved cases include vlogger Ibrahim ‘Isma Olaxes’ Tusuubira’s killing in 2023 and Magidu Mugwanya’s death in 2021, despite arrests.
President Museveni’s nephew, Joshua Nteireho Rushegyera, was killed in 2019. Security operatives failed to find suspects six years later. Similarly, Cpl Richard Muhumuza, a bodyguard to a religious leader, died in a shooting in January 2024. No arrests have followed.
The 2017 murder of Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi stands out. Police arrested multiple suspects, including senior officers, but the investigation did not find credible evidence against them. The authorities later dropped unrelated charges against those officers.
In 2016, masked gunmen killed Maj Muhammad Kiggundu and his bodyguard. Security forces charged several suspects, but many remain at large. These killings continue to fuel uncertainty and fear.
The dead silent murders expose deep cracks in Uganda’s security and justice systems. Although authorities have pursued suspects vigorously, the lack of convictions and lingering mysteries have led many to suspect involvement from powerful forces. As these cases accumulate, the public demands transparency and accountability.
For more on Uganda’s security challenges, visit the Electoral Commission of Uganda or learn about Uganda’s political history.
