High Court Denies Bail to Ex-Police Officer Agasiirwe in Kagezi Murder Case

The High Court in Uganda has turned down a bail request from Nickson Agasiirwe, a former senior police officer charged with the 2015 assassination of Joan Kagezi, an assistant director of public prosecutions.

Justice Isaac Muwata delivered the ruling on Thursday, stating that the severity of the murder accusation and several active investigations into capital offenses like aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and illicit enrichment make release too risky.

The judge pointed out that despite Agasiirwe’s clean record and history of court compliance, the volume of pending cases suggests potential criminal patterns that could be disrupted if he is freed.

Prosecutors, led by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivubuka, argued the crime involved a sophisticated network with suspects still at large, warning of witness tampering and flight risk.

Agasiirwe’s defense highlighted his fixed abode, sureties, and time already spent in remand, but failed to address the status of ongoing probes adequately.

Muwata concluded no exceptional circumstances justified bail, balancing constitutional rights against threats to justice administration.

Agasiirwe remains in custody awaiting trial over the Kiwatule shooting where gunmen on a motorcycle killed Kagezi.

Source: Daily Monitor