Court sets date for trial of Katanga murder case

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The High Court Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata has scheduled July 2nd, 2024, as the start date for the trial involving businesswoman Molly Katanga and her two daughters, who are accused of the murder of businessman Henry Katanga, their family head.

The trial date was determined after a planning meeting between the judge, Katanga’s legal representatives, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). According to the prosecution, Katanga was fatally shot by his wife, Molly, on November 2nd, 2023, at their residence on Chwa Two Road in Kampala.

The prosecution further alleges that Molly’s daughters, Patrica Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwazi, tampered with crucial evidence related to their father’s murder. Additionally, the family’s shamba, George Amanyire, and a male nurse, Charles Otai, are charged as accessories after the murder.

All four individuals were granted bail last month at two million shillings each, except for Molly, who remains in remand at Luzira Women’s Prison. Molly has applied for bail, which is set for a hearing on April 3rd, 2024. In her bail application, Molly, represented by her lawyers Jet Tumwebaze and MacDusman Kabega, asserts her innocence and expresses a strong desire to prove it during the trial.

She highlights her concerning medical condition, stating that she underwent five major surgeries following the injuries sustained on the day of her husband’s death. Molly argues that specialized post-operative care, unavailable in prison, is necessary for her recovery.

Molly lists prominent figures as proposed sureties, emphasizing her fixed place of abode and her commitment to abide by bail terms. “Investigations into the criminal case were completed and as such, the Applicant cannot and shall not interfere with investigations/ witnesses once released on bail”, adds her application.

Additionally, Molly, aged 55, asserts that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and caretaker of a dependent child. She expresses concern about the delay in commencing her trial and urges the court to consider her plea for release. The court will weigh Molly’s arguments and circumstances before deciding on her bail application.

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