Nearly ten years after the tragic assassination of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Kagezi, justice has finally caught up with one of her killers. The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has sentenced Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, a former UPDF soldier turned fugitive, to 35 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to her murder.
Kisekka, who had deserted the army and lived under the radar for years, admitted to his involvement under a plea bargain arrangement coordinated by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The court, presided over by a panel of four judges led by Justice Michael Elubu, accepted his plea and handed down the sentence on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The roots of the murder go back to Kisekka’s desertion from the UPDF while stationed in Gulu. He absconded with five AK-47 rifles and joined a group of known criminals in Kampala. Among them were John Kibuka, Abdullah Nasulu Mugonole, and John Masajjage, all linked to previous armed robberies.
In early 2015, Kibuka approached Kisekka in Kayunga District with a deadly proposal: to assassinate a top government official—Joan Kagezi. Kisekka was told that the hit would earn them $200,000, though they were initially paid just Shs2 million to share. According to prosecution, the motive behind the plot was linked to Kagezi’s active role in prosecuting terrorism-related and sensitive religious cases.
On the evening of March 30, 2015, the plan was executed in cold blood. Kagezi was driving her three children home in Ntinda when two motorcycles trailed her. As she pulled over, Kibuka dismounted, approached her vehicle, and shot her twice in the neck, killing her instantly in front of her children. Kisekka fired a warning shot to deter bystanders before fleeing the scene
Following the murder, the group returned to their hideout in Nabweru and discussed their next steps. Kisekka later took them to a traditional healer in Kayunga for a ritual aimed at protecting them from “the spirit of the dead.”
After the assassination, Kisekka disappeared. While his accomplices were arrested and charged in separate robbery cases, he stayed underground, running a charcoal business and hiding in various districts. His whereabouts remained unknown until October 2023, when he was arrested in Luwero on unrelated theft charges. Upon checking his background, investigators realized he was wanted in connection with Kagezi’s murder. He was taken into custody and eventually confessed.
At the High Court, prosecutors Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko and Chief State Attorney Jacqueline Okui revealed the full story behind the murder. Jatiko presented the sequence of events and how Kisekka’s confession aligned with their findings. In a procedural twist, terrorism charges initially brought against him were dropped to focus on the murder charge alone.
As part of the plea deal, the court explained to Kisekka the consequences of pleading guilty—including waiving his rights to silence, trial, and presumption of innocence. He acknowledged the conditions and accepted the deal with the support of his lawyer, Henry Kunya.
During sentencing, Jatiko described the act as calculated and brutal, highlighting that Kagezi was killed in full view of her children. He further noted the symbolic damage the murder inflicted on Uganda’s legal system. “This wasn’t just an act of violence—it was an attack on justice itself,” Jatiko said.
Before sentencing, Kisekka addressed the court and issued a public apology:
“I apologize to the Government of Uganda, to the children of the deceased Joan Kagezi, to His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, and to the people of Uganda. Please forgive me for my criminal actions.”
Kagezi’s children, George Phillip Kulubya and Carole, were present in court and shared a victim impact statement. They expressed how their lives had been forever changed, but also said they believed justice had been served. A psychological impact report was also presented by psychiatrist Dr. Susan Tashobya.
Interestingly, the judges chose to exclude a victim report submitted by the ODPP, where Kagezi had served, citing a conflict of interest. “This is a unique case,” Justice Elubu said. “It would not be fair for a prosecuting office that is also a victim to influence the court’s perspective on sentencing.”
Taking into account the plea bargain, remorse shown, and time spent on remand (since November 2023), the judges sentenced Kisekka to 35 years in prison, less time already served. He was informed that he had the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days.
Sources close to the case suggest that Kisekka may become a state witness in the ongoing prosecution of his co-accused, who are still on remand in Luzira Prison. Their trial is scheduled to resume on May 20, 2025.
Chief State Attorney Jacqueline Okui described the conviction as a “milestone” in Uganda’s pursuit of justice for fallen public servants. The remaining suspects face murder and terrorism charges, and the case continues to cast a long shadow over Uganda’s justice system.
