The Kagezi murder case took a dramatic turn on May 21. What began as a routine court session suddenly shifted when convicted killer Daniel Kisekka Kibuuka named “Nickson” as the man behind the plot to kill Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Namazzi Kagezi.
Kisekka, recently sentenced to 35 years in prison, turned state witness after pleading guilty. In court, he revealed that John Kibuuka, the prime suspect, approached him with a $200,000 (about Shs717 million) contract to eliminate a “judge” obstructing cases involving Muslim suspects.
That “judge” turned out to be Kagezi, the lead prosecutor in the 2010 Kampala twin bombings case. That attack left at least 76 football fans dead and had links to the al-Shabaab terror network.
During cross-examination, Kisekka stated that Kibuuka had told him the financier was Nickson. Although Kisekka never met him directly, he recounted an incident two days before the murder. While at Kalerwe with the group, he saw a man arrive in a white government vehicle. Kibuuka then met with the man, whom he identified as Nickson.
Following this testimony, security operatives swiftly arrested SSP Nickson Agasirwe Karuhanga, a senior police officer. Authorities held him at the Flying Squad headquarters in Kireka for questioning. The next day, they brought him to Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court to face a formal charge of murder.
Kisekka also testified that the group only received Shs500,000 in advance. The rest of the payment never materialized. Despite this, they proceeded with the mission.
Originally, the case included four suspects: Kisekka, Kibuuka, John Masajjage, and Nasur Abudallah Mugonole. After Kisekka’s confession, three remained. Prosecutors filed a separate charge sheet for Agasirwe rather than amending the original.
The Director of Public Prosecutions accused Agasirwe of acting with malice and ordering the killing. The charge states: “SSP Agasirwe Nickson Karuhanga and others still at large, on March 30, 2015, at Kiwatule, Nakawa Division, Kampala District, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Joan Namazzi Kagezi.”
Authorities have now remanded Agasirwe to Luzira Prison as they continue their investigations.
Kagezi’s death sent shockwaves across Uganda. On March 30, 2015, gunmen riding motorcycles ambushed her in Kiwatule while she bought fruit. Her three children sat inside the car as the assassins opened fire and fled toward Najjera.
Kagezi had led high-risk prosecutions and became a key figure in Uganda’s fight against terrorism. Her murder stalled several major cases and exposed the dangers that judicial officers face.
Now that Agasirwe stands charged in the Kagezi murder case, public scrutiny has intensified. Citizens, colleagues, and Kagezi’s family continue to demand justice. With the case back in the spotlight, the country watches closely as Uganda’s legal system tries to bring closure to one of its most painful chapters.
