Court issues arrest warrant for Katanga daughter in murder case

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has issued an arrest warrant against Martha Nkwanzi, linked to charges of evidence tampering following the murder of her father, businessman Henry Katanga, over two months ago. This warrant, issued by Magistrate Erias Kakooza, comes after a successful application by the Prosecution, led by State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya.

The accused individuals, including the deceased’s 31-year-old daughter Patricia Kakwanza, Nkwanzi, charged with destroying evidence, Amanyire George, a 30-year-old shamba boy, and Otai Charles, a health worker, are accused of accessory to murder. The widow, Molly Katanga, is yet to be charged. The criminal summons for Nkwanzi has been extended until January 22nd, 2024.

The Prosecution claims that Henry Katanga was shot dead on November 2nd, 2023, allegedly by his 55-year-old wife, Molly Katanga, at Mbuya Chwa 2 road, Nakawa Division-Kampala Capital City. Reportedly, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza tampered with evidence at the crime scene, rendering it unidentifiable for judicial proceedings. Amanyire and Otai allegedly assisted others involved in the crime. During the court session on Monday, only three of the accused were present, with Nkwanzi and her mother reportedly hospitalized for various conditions.

The Prosecution requested an extension of the criminal summons for Molly Katanga and a warrant of arrest for Martha, citing repeated failure to appear in court without justifiable reasons. The defense team, represented by MacDusman Kabega, along with lawyers Bruce Musinguzi and Jet Tumwebaze, stated that Martha Nkwanzi is recuperating at Roswell Hospital following childbirth. They presented a letter from IHK Hospital to the CID Director, attesting to Molly Katanga’s surgery for scalp psoriasis, explaining her prolonged hospitalization.

Muwaganya challenged the information presented, labeling it hearsay, and maintained the necessity of a warrant for Martha Nkwanzi’s arrest. “But that somebody went to a medical facility a month ago for the headache and abdominal pains that she had then among others cannot be used as sufficient grounds today in January to explain the disobedience,” said Muwaganya.

Magistrate Kakooza agreed and issued the arrest warrant against Martha. Regarding bail for the remanded trio, Kakooza deferred the decision due to the High Court’s file revision on the matter.   The case is adjourned to January 22nd, 2024, for further mention. The former Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana, attended the proceedings on behalf of the victim’s family, advocating for justice. The families of both the victim and the accused have strong connections to influential figures in government, raising questions about the impartiality of justice in this case.

****

URN