Abdul Noor Ssemujju, also known as "Minaana," a former member of Uganda Police’s controversial Flying Squad Unit, was on Monday charged with the 2015 murder of Joan Kagezi, a former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ssemujju appeared before the Nakawa Grade One Magistrate's Court and was formally added to the charge sheet that already includes Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nixon Agasirwe.
Visibly weak and limping, Ssemujju made random utterances as he was helped into the courtroom. Inside, he continued to rant about being tortured during detention, and pleaded with Magistrate Daphine Ayebare for food, claiming he had not eaten for nearly four days.
The magistrate temporarily suspended proceedings to allow the accused to receive a meal and directed that his torture claims be reviewed.
When the session resumed at 3pm, the prosecution formally amended the charge sheet to include Ssemujju as the second accused (A2) in the murder case.
Due to the gravity of the charge, the court did not take a plea, as only the High Court has jurisdiction over capital offenses.
Magistrate Ayebare ordered the Uganda Prisons Service to conduct a medical examination to verify Ssemujju’s torture allegations.
The prosecution informed court that investigations are still ongoing and requested an adjournment.
The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2025, when the medical report is expected to be presented. Ssemujju was remanded to Luzira Prison and was seen dragging himself along courtroom benches as he exited under guard.
Joan Kagezi was assassinated on March 30, 2015, in Kiwatule, Kampala, while driving home. Her killing shocked the nation and drew international condemnation, with multiple suspects named over the years but few formal charges until recently.