By KT Reporter
A medical report from Murchison Bay Hospital in Luzira Prison has dismissed allegations of torture raised by former Flying Squad operative Abdulnoor Ssemujju, also known as Minaana, who is jointly charged with ex-police officer Nixon Agasirwe in the 2015 murder of former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Joan Kagezi Namazzi.
Minaana had earlier told the court that he was tortured by state operatives in a safe house to force a confession implicating former IGP Kale Kayihura and a foreign force in Kagezi’s murder. He made the claims during his first court appearance on June 24th, 2025, where he was seen limping and unable to walk or sit without support. In response, Chief Magistrate Daphne Nayebare ordered a medical examination to assess the torture claims.
However, a report dated July 7th, 2025, and authored by Dr. Charles Kajoba Kimuli from Murchison Bay Hospital, found no evidence of torture. The report states that Minaana has a history of peptic ulcer disease and chronic back pain, for which he is receiving treatment, but shows no physical or internal injuries.
“While in prison, he has been managed for chronic back pain and peptic ulcer disease using analgesics and anti-ulcer drugs, with improvement,” the report reads. Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, while submitting the report to the court, accused Minaana of blackmail and staging a performance to attract sympathy.
He noted that the report confirms Minaana was in good health, standing and walking unaided, and dismissed his earlier conduct in court as drama. Birivumbuka asked the court to expunge any records alleging torture by state agencies. However, Minaana contested the report, claiming he was never examined by a medical doctor and only received Panadol from fellow inmates. He maintained that he was held in unidentified safe houses and has never been in formal police custody.
Magistrate Nayebare ruled that the purpose of the medical report was to establish if the accused could follow proceedings and to verify torture claims. She noted that the report showed no evidence of torture or injuries. However, she said Minaana can challenge the report during trial, and his concerns would be addressed at that stage.
Both Minaana and Agasirwe were remanded until August 3rd, 2025, as investigations continue. They are among six people facing charges in various courts in connection to Kagezi’s murder. Others include John Kibuuka, John Masajjagge, and Nasur Abudallah Mugonole, who are already on trial at the High Court.
The case against Minaana and Agasirwe gained momentum after Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, one of the suspects, pleaded guilty and told court that Agasirwe paid them to carry out the assassination. Kiwanuka was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
