The Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda, His Worship, Flavian Zeija, representing H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, today honoured the 8th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture held under the theme: “Prosecution as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation, Safety, and Public Trust.”

While delivering the President’s speech, His Worship Zeija emphasised the need to protect prosecutors under the law, noting that they play a vital role in promoting justice, strengthening public trust, and advancing the country’s transformation agenda.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions today held the 8th Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture at Munyonyo in an event organised in Honor of the late Joan Kagezi, a respected and dedicated prosecutor who lost her life in the line of duty. The chief guest, President Yoweri Museveni, was represented by the Chief Justice, His Worship Flavian Zeija, who hailed prosecutors for a job well done.

The Kagezi family expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and all stakeholders who organised the memorial lecture. Speaking on behalf of the family, Philip Kagezi, the son of the late, described Joan Kagezi as not only a prosecutor, but also a compassionate advocate for the rights of migrants and vulnerable people in society.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, commended the theme of the memorial lecture, “Prosecution as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation, Safety, and Public Trust.”

In the President’s message, he emphasised the need to protect prosecutors, noting that they are among the key players in the fight against corruption and organised crime. He further stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions plays a vital role in strengthening justice and promoting public trust in the country.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Lino Anguzu, noted that prosecutors continue to face several threats and attacks, especially while handling cases involving organised crime, corruption, and other criminal activities within the justice system.

He reaffirmed the Office of the DPP’s commitment to preserving the legacy and values of the late Joan Kagezi.

During her address, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions, emphasised the importance of strengthening investigative, prosecutorial, and adjudicatory capacities within the country’s criminal justice system.

Joan Kagezi was assassinated on March 30th, 2015, in Kiwatule, a Kampala suburb, while on her way home. During her 23-year legal career, she served Uganda with distinction in different capacities. 

After graduating from the Law Development Centre in 1992, she began her public service career as a land officer in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development before rising through the ranks in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to the position of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions.