We Know The Funders Paid The Killers Of The Former Acting Assistant DPP Joan Kagezi In 2015-CID Head Maj. Magambo

The head of the Criminal Investigation Department Major Tom Magambo has told the President Yoweri Museveni that the investigation departments know the funders that paid the killers of the former acting assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Kagezi in 2015. 

This was revealed at the 7th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds presided over by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Memorial was themed: Prosecution of Transitional Organized Crimes to Foster Security and Socio-Economic Development: The Linkage Between Terrorism, Human Trafficking, and Smuggling of Migrants' and the  guest speaker, Ms Sharon Lesa Nyambe from Zambia.

The Lecture was attended by different dignitaries including the Speaker of Parliament Rt.Hon.Anita Annet Among, the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoy, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, Judges of the High Court, Development ‘Partners, among others.

The Lecture is held annually to pay tribute to the legacy of the late Joan Kagezi, a distinguished lawyer and prosecutor who was assassinated in 2015, for her significant contribution to the field of criminal justice. 

President Museveni assured Ugandans that the UPDF is committed to finishing the Allied Democratic Forces(ADF) that is currently hiding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

''The suspects who killed her made a mistake and were eventually caught. The memory of Joan Kagezi lives on because we remember her. She died while doing a good thing, just like Jesus died over 2000 years ago and we still remember Him. In order to honor and support our fallen comrades, we should take care of their families. This will ensure that people are not afraid to fight for their country. If we fail to do so, we will be undermining the patriotism of those comrades''.Said President Museveni.

The President also thanked Lady Justice Lydia Mugambe for always keeping in touch with him regarding issues of the Late Kagezi's children.

The Chief Justice shared that he was the trial judge, during the Kampala Bombing case when Kagezi was murdered and when he summed up to the assessors and the conclusion of the case, he was very clear. "I asked that they should not be moved by emotion. 

That should not in any way influence their decision in the Kampala bombing case. Because whoever did that will be tried elsewhere. Another time and if evidence was brought to court to do the needful. I'm glad to hear that some people have been arrested. And let me make it very clear.

The ones who have been arrested are not the killers of Joan Kagezi . They are suspects, people brought before the courts of law are entitled to the presumption of innocence. And the due process will be followed to the letter and spirit.

They'll be tried. If evidence is brought, they'll be convicted, if the evidence does not meet the required standard, they will be released. So my sister you have your work cut out for you that these aspects will be subjected to the due process," said the Chief Justice. 

As part of the activities to mark the memorial, the DPP awarded three personalities for their contribution in the dispensation of justice.

President Museveni received the Champions Award for being the Champion of Justice in this country. The Chief Justice received an Appreciation Award for ensuring that the ODPP realizes their constitutional mandate.

 While Ms Sharon Nyambe from UNODC was recognized for her “remarkable support and contribution which have been instrumental in our success story of administering criminal justice in Uganda.”