The Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, has disclosed that the late Joan Kagezi was killed at the time she was leading the prosecution of the 2010 Kampala bombing suspects.
He made the remarks yesterday at the 6th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture.
Joan Kagezi who was the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions was killed on the night of 15th March 2015 at Kiwatule, a Kampala suburb while on her way to her residence.
The event that was held at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo run under the Theme: ‘Organised Crime and the Necessity for Witness Protection’ attracted all Prosecutors from the country who had just concluded their 3-day symposium where they reviewed their performances and also shared experiences as well as challenges in the course of delivering Justice to the people of Uganda.
“We were profoundly traumatised,” he noted.
He expressed his gratitude to learn from DPP Jane Abodo that the matter has been given special consideration and prayed that the perpetrators of the evil crime will be brought to book.
Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo further thanked President Museveni for giving special attention to the Justice Institutions in Uganda where a lot of achievements have been registered.
While echoing the compliments made by the DPP Jane Abodo to the President, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo added that there is today a difference in the working of the Justice System attributing the positive changes to President Museveni for his unwavering support.
“What she has been thanking you about it because you are enhancing the capacity of the Public Prosecutions to ensure that the wrong persons are convicted and the innocent ones do not suffer,” he said.
He, however, emphasized the need to have a formidable investigating arm and a robust prosecuting body in order to ensure the success of Justice.
The Chief Justice reminded Prosecutors of their responsibilities of being ethical and committed as well as understanding the purpose for which the Institution of Prosecution exists.
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, noted that in the Judicial system, Prosecutors have a unique position in society as they represent the State, the people, the accused and the Court.
The Attorney General reminded Prosecutors of the important role they play in society that calls for their diligence while carrying out their duties with no traces of corruption; actual or perceived.
He further thanked President Museveni for his support to the Prosecutors and Attorneys in his office.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, thanked President Museveni for the pledges fulfilled that include among others the enhancement of the salaries of Prosecutors, income tax waiver to the 300 prosecutors, the provision of vehicles that will help them in the execution of their duties and the support to their SACCO.
“The morale of the prosecutors is very high,” she reported.
She added that they have managed to recover Shs20 billion that has been remitted to the consolidated fund.
She further added that according to the survey carried out, the public is rated at 75% satisfied with their service delivery.
The function was also attended by some of the Chief Justices Emeritus and the former Directors of Public Prosecutions who were presented with awards in recognition of their contribution to the Judiciary and country at large.
Others were the Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.
