Four suspects accused of the murder of Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi Namazzi are alleged to have sought the assistance of a Kayunga-based witch doctor to evade arrest and influence the outcome of their case proceedings.

This revelation came during the summary of evidence presented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday, following nine years of ongoing investigations.

The accused individuals, Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, John Kibuuka (alias Musa), Nasur Abdallah Mugonole, and John Masajjage (alias Mubiru Brian or Chongo), were informed of their committal to trial at the International Crimes Division of the High Court due to the gravity of the charges they face, including murder and terrorism.

The court heard that shortly after the murder of Joan Kagezi on March 30, 2015, police investigations led to the discovery of crucial evidence, including two bullet cartridges and a motor vehicle used in the crime. Suspects were subsequently arrested, including Kibuuka, who allegedly confessed to his involvement and implicated Masajjage and others.

Masajjage, evading capture for eight years, was eventually apprehended in 2023. Evidence presented in court indicated that he had fled to Buvuma islands and assumed various identities to avoid detection.

According to the prosecution, Masajjage confessed to his involvement in the murder and revealed that the plot was orchestrated from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. He admitted to spending part of the payment received for the murder on rituals performed by a witch doctor to evade arrest and manipulate the case proceedings.

Further investigations revealed the extensive criminal history of the accused individuals, including armed robberies and murders committed jointly. Kiwanuka, a former army deserter, confessed to his role in the murder, stating that he was armed during the crime and participated in clearing the escape route afterward.

The prosecution plans to present a wealth of evidence during the trial, including forensic reports, post-mortem findings, and communication records between the suspects. The motive behind Kagezi’s murder is believed to be politically, religiously, or economically driven, aiming to influence the government or intimidate the public.

With the committal papers read in court, the accused individuals, closely guarded by prison wardens and counter-terrorism officers, have been remanded pending trial at the International Crimes Division of the High Court.