The High Court in Kampala has dismissed a bail application filed by former police officer Nickson Agasiirwe who is facing charges in connection with the murder of senior state prosecutor Joan Namazzi Kagezi.
In his ruling, Justice Isaac Muwata held that the accused had not raised sufficient grounds to justify his release on bail.
The judge noted that the accused person is facing a grave charge of murder and that the circumstances surrounding the case require careful handling by the court.
Justice Muwata also expressed concern that if released, the accused could interfere with the course of justice or flee the jurisdiction of the court, given the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Agasiirwe, a former commander of the Special Investigations Unit under the Uganda Police Force, was arrested and charged in connection with the assassination of Kagezi, one of the country’s most prominent prosecutors.
The prosecution alleges that Agasiirwe played a role in facilitating and coordinating the killing of Kagezi, although he has consistently denied the allegations.
Kagezi was shot dead on March 30, 2015 in Kiwatule by gunmen riding on a motorcycle as she drove home with her children. The attackers reportedly fired several shots into her car before fleeing the scene.
Her killing shocked the country and triggered widespread concern about the safety of judicial officers and prosecutors handling sensitive cases.
At the time of her death, Kagezi was serving as a senior prosecutor in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and was leading a number of high profile terrorism prosecutions, including cases linked to the 2010 Kampala bombings.
The attacks in July 2010 targeted crowds watching the World Cup final in Kampala and resulted in the deaths of more than 70 people.
Investigations into Kagezi’s assassination lasted several years before suspects were eventually charged in court.
Agasiirwe is among several individuals accused in connection with the murder and has been on remand as the case proceeds through the courts.
With the dismissal of his bail application, the former police officer will remain in custody as the trial continues.