Munyonyo-Kampala– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon Prosecutors to emulate the late Joan Namazzi Kagezi and serve their country beyond appearing prosecuting cases in the Court rooms.
In his message delivered by the Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija at the eighth Kagezi Memorial Lecture held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Museveni stated that Some people think prosecution goes far beyond appearing court with files of papers, but a role which requires defending our country and preserving our civilization as the Late Kagezi used to do.
“When prosecutors stand firm against terrorism, organized crime, corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, and impunity, they are not merely enforcing the law. They are defending Uganda itself. That is why criminals feared Joan Kagezi.” Remarked Zeija
That by assassinated Joan Kagezi, Criminals thought that they could threaten the Government particularly the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), but instead the institution grew much stronger.
“When Joan Kagezi was assassinated in 2015, Uganda lost not only an experienced Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, but also a courageous cadre who clearly understood that criminal justice work is part of the broader struggle for peace, stability, and national transformation. Joan Kagezi became a target precisely because she was effective against dangerous criminal networks.” He added
On the progress about the case, where one of the people behind Kagezi ‘s murder was sentenced to 35 years in jail, Museveni stated that although investigations in some criminal matters may take time, but through public cooperation, intelligence, patience, professionalism and persistence, the truth always come out at the right time.
“Therefore, future prosecutors must not only understand the law and courtroom procedure. Future prosecutors must also understand cyber investigations, terrorism financing, financial systems, digital commerce, environmental protection, organized crime, and international cooperation.”
In her keynote address, the Principal judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, tasked the Prosecutors to perform their roles diligently because once it’s not properly done, it leads to high Crime rate on top of killing investor confidence in the country thus affecting the economy.
“Crimes such as corruption, terrorism financing and financial crimes drain the national budget although we don’t see it, they deter investors and affect the social contract between government and the citizens. Investors always do a calculation on a number factors before investing in any country on issues like; if someone steals from my business , will the state pursue it, if a public official demands a bribe from me will they be prosecuted and convicted once found guilty?” Remarked Abodo
She commended the Anti corruption Department within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for taking action by prosecuting all individuals within the office acused of engaging in corruption related offences.
“I thank the majority of the staff in ODPP for being professional acting professionally even when there is no body watching them, I know that atleast majority of you perform your duties very well, but the few who don’t once they are identified, they paint a bad image for the whole institution.” Abodo added
Mr. Lino Anguzu, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) thanked the Prosecutors for closely working with other agencies in the country which has enabled them to register success in a number of cases before Courts of law.
“I hereby report that one individual has already been convicted for participating in the murder of Joan Kagezi. Having entered into a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison, which he is currently serving. The trial of the remaining three persons accused in the same matter is progressing steadily before the International Crimes Division of the High Court, and we expect a ruling on whether they have a case to answer on the 3rd of July this year.”
He also asked the Prosecutors to invest more in their own Capacity in various sectors because crime keeps on revolving in this era of modern technology and to remain relevant, they should not get tired of learning new Prosecution skills.
Mr. Phillip Kagezi, the son of the late Joan Kagezi, thanked the ODPP for always remembering the good services of their late mother and on behalf of the family, called upon the Prosecutors to not only admire courage, but they should also practice it.
“The greatest tribute we can give to Kagezi is not to simply remember how she died, but rather to live with the same conviction. May her courage challenge us, may her sacrifice continue to inspire us, and may God continue to bless the Republic of Uganda.” he added
This year’s memorial lecture was held under a theme “Prosecution as a catalyst for Economic transformation, Safety and Public Trust”
