“I’m Innocent, It Breaks My Heart To See People Dragging Me In The Murder Of Joan Kagezi” Kale Kayihura Denies Involvement In Killing Kagezi

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura has publicly addressed the 2015 murder of former prosecutor Joan Kagezi, calling it a deeply personal loss. In a recent statement, Kayihura described the assassination as a heartbreaking moment in his life, stating, “Joan Kagezi’s murder was a big shock to all of us, especially me, who was very close to her.”

He also used the occasion to distance himself from persistent allegations linking him to the crime. “I am innocent,” Kayihura declared. “It breaks my heart to see people dragging me into her murder.” He stressed that his relationship with Kagezi was built on trust and mutual respect, and that he would never have wished her harm.

However, instead of evoking sympathy, Kayihura’s comments have ignited intense backlash, particularly on social media. Many Ugandans expressed deep skepticism about his sincerity, pointing to his controversial tenure as police chief. Critics accused him of enabling impunity and suppressing innocent civilians while failing to deliver justice for high-profile crimes like Kagezi’s murder.

“So what did he do apart from hiding criminals and arresting innocent people?” asked one user, Osman. Another, dunabaho, dismissed Kayihura’s statement as hollow, comparing it to the controversial remarks made by Pastor Aloysius Bugingo about his slain bodyguard. BBC contributor bgmoris added, “I think Kayihura should stay mum. If he is innocent, then there is nothing to clarify.”

Some of the responses also revealed deep-seated ethnic tensions. A user named JamesOgwan accused members of Kayihura’s ethnic group of being behind such crimes — a disturbing reflection of how mistrust and anger continue to simmer beneath the surface.

The widespread criticism highlights the lingering frustration many Ugandans feel over how security issues were managed during Kayihura’s leadership. Joan Kagezi, remembered as a fearless and principled prosecutor, has become a symbol of justice denied. Her murder remains one of the country’s most haunting unresolved cases.

While Kayihura may have intended his remarks as a tribute and a means to defend his legacy, they have instead reopened painful memories and renewed calls for truth and accountability. For many, justice for Joan Kagezi will only come through action — not emotional declarations.