The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, has urged the justice community and Ugandans at large to emulate the late Justice Joan Kagezi’s unwavering spirit and commitment to fighting organized crime.
She made these remarks on April 25, 2024, at Kololo ceremonial grounds during the 7th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture under the theme ‘Prosecution of Transitional Organized Crimes to Foster Security and Socio-Economic Development: The Linkage Between Terrorism, Human Trafficking, and Smuggling of Migrants’.
According to Among, in order for the country to move forward, it should find inspiration from the courage and dedication that Kagezi has.
“We aim to improve communication, coordination, and cooperation on national, regional, and international levels. By honoring Kagezi, we renew our commitment to the values she stood for. We recognize the vital importance of addressing the underlying causes and emerging trends of terrorism, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling,” Among said.
Speaker Among further stated that, as the country takes a moment to remember Joan’s contributions, there should be a focus on the urgent need for effective ways to prosecute criminals.
She added that Parliament pledges to work collaboratively with the executive arm of government to enact legislation that empowers the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to combat the smuggling of migrants into the country.
“Under my leadership, the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda is committed to working closely with you in our legislative, appropriation, and oversight functions, “Among added.
Among the dignitaries present were the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was the guest of honour; Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao; Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo; Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, DPP Jane Francis Abodo, among others.
WHO IS JOAN KAGEZI?
Justice Joan Namazzi Kagezi was a Ugandan lawyer and prosecutor. She was assassinated on March 30, 2015, in Kiwaatule, a Kampala suburb. At the time of her death, she was the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution and head of the International Criminal Division in Uganda’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The prosecution that was ongoing when Kagezi died was of 13 individuals accused of participating in the July 2010 Kampala attacks, which occurred during the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final match, killing at least 79 people.
