DEFENCE LAWYERS: Katanga was suicidal

Court was adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday after day in which tensions flared 

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The hearing of the high-profile Katanga murder case resumed today, with the prosecution’s ninth witness, Naome Nyangweso, being questioned about her relationship with the family of the late Katanga.

Defense lawyers, led by Jet Tumwebaze, accused Nyangweso of harboring ill intentions toward the Katanga family, particularly the widow, Molly Katanga, and her children.

The court also heard that even the late Katanga was suspicious of Nyangweso’s actions. He reportedly dismissed her as a chaperone for his two daughters’ weddings, despite her being his only surviving paternal sister. Instead, he chose his cousin, Lydia Kabirisi, for the role.

During cross-examination, it was revealed that Katanga never called Nyangweso once in the last few months, contradicting her earlier testimony that she was his confidant.

The defense also pointed to a history of suicides in the Katanga family, suggesting that suicide was not uncommon among its members. They cited the example of Katanga’s brother, Ntomi Katanga who committed suicide before Katanga’s death.

Defense lawyers questioned Nyangweso’s statement during a separate funeral ceremony, where she claimed it would have been impossible for Katanga to commit suicide since he was right-handed and the bullet had entered through the left side of his head.

“If I put it to you that the bullet actually entered through his right side, would you change your opinion that Katanga might have committed suicide?” Tumwebaze asked, but Nyangweso declined to answer.

It was also revealed that on the day of Katanga’s burial, Nyangweso was allegedly elsewhere, attempting to hoard vital documents belonging to him.

As evidence, the defense confirmed that 10 out of 77 items on the police search list had disappeared, yet these items appeared on a list of documents Nyangweso claims she received from the late Katanga.

Lawyers further questioned how Nyangweso had conveniently obtained these documents on the same day Katanga’s office was broken into and searched. Nyangweso reacted angrily, accusing the defense of insulting her by implying she was a thief. This prompted objections from the prosecution.

Additionally, Nyangweso was accused of visiting suspect Amanyire with her lawyer, Mwesigwa Rukutana, in an attempt to threaten and coerce him into turning against the Katanga family. In her defense, Nyangweso claimed the visit was merely a courtesy call to say “hello.” However, defense lawyers questioned why a simple greeting lasted for two hours.

At this point, tensions flared in court, with the prosecution accusing the defense of sub judice by introducing matters outside of the case.

The court was adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday.