KAMPALA, UGANDA – The government is relying on a witch doctor’s testimony to secure convictions in the high-profile murder case of Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi.
Four suspects – Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, John Kibuuka, John Massajjage, and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole – are accused of killing Kagezi in 2015. Prosecutors allege the murder was committed to influence the government or intimidate the public.
The witch doctor, a key prosecution witness, claims to have performed rituals to protect the suspects from arrest. He identified Kiwanuka, Kibuuka, and Mugonole during an identification parade.
According to court documents, Kiwanuka confessed to participating in the murder and revealed details of the plot. He allegedly secured the witch doctor’s services and led the other suspects to the shrine.
Prosecutors intend to present additional evidence, including post-mortem reports, photographs, cartridges, mobile network clusters, and forensic reports.
The trial, now in its ninth year, has faced multiple delays. The latest setback came when defense lawyers Sylvia Namawejje and Ail Hassan Kato withdrew from the case citing conflicts of interest and other reasons.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha has directed the Deputy Registrar to appoint new lawyers on a state brief.
The Uganda Police Force has faced pressure to solve the case, which shocked the nation. Kagezi was a senior prosecutor handling high-profile cases.
Human rights activists have expressed concerns about the use of a witch doctor’s testimony as key evidence.
President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly hailed slain prosecutor Kagezi as a “freedom fighter” who bravely stood up to terrorists.
Kagezi, assassinated in 2015, was renowned for tackling high-profile cases, including those against Aggrey Kiyingi and Thomas Kwoyelo.
Museveni praised her dedication to justice, saying her killers “miscalculated” by thinking they could silence her. Four suspects have been arrested and charged with murder, with Museveni urging international cooperation to bring others to justice.
