Kaweesi murder suspects’ trial starts today
The trial, which was scheduled to commence on July 1, 2026, was suspended indefinitely following the alleged abduction of one of the accused, Yusuf Mugerwa, by security operatives from his workplace in Kasangati, Wakiso District. Mugerwa was reportedly taken to an unknown location, but he has since reportedly been found.
The late former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. (File)
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The trial of eight men accused of murdering former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi is scheduled to start today (October 19) at the International Crimes Division of the High Court, nine years after his killing.
The trial, which was scheduled to commence on July 1, 2026, was suspended indefinitely following the alleged abduction of one of the accused, Yusuf Mugerwa, by security operatives from his workplace in Kasangati, Wakiso District. Mugerwa was reportedly taken to an unknown location, but he has since reportedly been found.
The court will be presided over by Justices Susan Okalany, Andrew Bashaija, Richard Wejuli and Vincent Wagona.
The other accused persons are Abdul-Rashid Mbaziira, Aramanzani Noordin Higenyi alias Taata Abdullazack, Yusuf Mugerwa alias Wilson, Bruhan Balyejusa alias Jimmy Masiga Ogutu, Joshua Magezi Kyambadde alias Abdu Rahman, Jibril Kalyango alias Abu Aisha, Yusuf Siraje Nyanzi alias Jimmy Ssentamu and Shafik Kasujja.
Kasujja has since jumped bail, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
Kaweesi was killed in cold blood on March 17, 2017, in the city suburbs of Kulambiro in Nakawa Division, together with his bodyguard Kenneth Erau and driver Geoffrey Mambewo.
Following his murder, dozens of suspects were arrested and charged in court but only eight were committed for trial after investigations by police linked them to the murder of the senior cop and his aides.
The summary of evidence tendered in court by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) indicates that Mbaziira admitted to participating in the planning and execution of the murder of Kaweesi.
The court documents further indicate that Mbaziira also revealed to the police that the assassination of Kaweesi was ordered by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group leaders as he was among the Government officials on its alleged hitlist.
The ODPP has since disclosed the evidence, which it intends to rely on to prosecute the accused.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large between January and March 2017, in diverse districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, and Tororo for purposes of influencing government, involved themselves in the murder of Kaweesi.
It further alleges that the accused rendered support to Balyejusa and Ogutu, who are alleged known members of the ADF, in executing terrorism acts in the country.
In October 2017, High Court Judge Margaret Oguli-Oumo (now retired) awarded each of the suspects sh80m after she ruled that they were tortured on arrest.
While arriving at her decision, Oguli relied on the medical report from African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims. This followed an application by their lawyer, Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi.