FBI rewards top police officers, prosecutors
Former senior principal state prosecutor Joan Kagezi gunned in 2015
What you need to know:
- The head of Luzira Upper Prisons, who was in-charge of protecting the accused in prison, was also recognised. There was no detail on what the awards involved.
- On July 11, 2010, more than 80 people were killed and scores injured in twin bomb explosions at Kyadondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Village Restaurant as soccer fans watched the World Cup finals.
Kampala. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), America’s foremost intelligence agency, yesterday honoured at least 11 Uganda police officers and prosecutors for successful investigation and prosecution of July 2010 bombings in Kampala City cases.
Two of them, former senior principal state prosecutor Joan Kagezi gunned in 2015 and detective Heavensfall Godi, were honoured post-humously at a deliberately low-key event at the US embassy in Nsambya, a city suburb.
Also awarded for exceptional work is Ms Grace Akullo, the police director of Criminal Investigations; former prosecutor Susan Okalany, now a judge; and, Mr Lino Anguzu, who, together with Ms Okalany, took over prosecution of the high-profile case following Kagezi’s slaying.
The US embassy and the awardees yesterday declined to comment on the honours.
A source familiar with the process told this newspaper that the rewarded officers are expected to meet with the Inspector General of Police, Martins Okoth Ochola, at the police headquarters in Naguru this morning.
Another source quoted one of the police officers describing the accolade from FBI as a “dream come true” while another said they had been energised to continue the fight against terrorism in Uganda and the region.
The head of Luzira Upper Prisons, who was in-charge of protecting the accused in prison, was also recognised. There was no detail on what the awards involved.
On July 11, 2010, more than 80 people were killed and scores injured in twin bomb explosions at Kyadondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Village Restaurant as soccer fans watched the World Cup finals.
Ugandan investigators, joined in the early days by FBI agents, scoured for evidence and arrested dozens of suspects from both within and outside the country.
Some exhibits picked from scenes of crime were later flown for analysis at an FBI laboratory, helping investigators string the links to build an incriminating case against the suspects.
Seven of them were eventually convicted of terrorism, murder and attempted murder following a seven-year trial and were variously sentenced to life imprisonment, 50 years in jail and community service.
Honoured individuals
Grace Akullo
Lino Anguzu
Susan Okalany
Joan Kagezi
Heavensfall Godi
Frank David Kitongo
Joshua Awori
Lydia Katono
Pius Can’ingom
Dick Leni
Maj Frank Magara
