Four individuals accused of tampering with evidence in the murder case of businessman Henry Katanga have been granted bail by the High Court in Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Patricia Kakwanza, Martha Nkwanzi Katanga (both daughters of the deceased), Dr. Charles Otai, and domestic worker George Amanyire, secured their release on Wednesday after applying for bail at the High Court.
Justice Isaac Muwata, presiding over the case, emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had indicated the suspects were already committed for trial at the High Court, thus minimizing the risk of interference with investigations or witnesses.
The judge accepted the presented sureties, despite initial challenges raised by the prosecution regarding their suitability. Notably, the bail conditions required each suspect to provide a cash bail of Shs2 million, while their respective sureties were bonded at Shs20 million each, though not necessarily in cash.
Jet Tumwebaze, one of the defense lawyers, expressed relief at the court’s decision, noting the prolonged nature of the bail application process.
Meanwhile, the legal team representing Molly Katanga, the widow of the deceased, revealed their intention to file a bail application on her behalf in the upcoming session.
The prosecution’s case alleges that Molly Katanga caused the death of her husband, Henry Katanga, on November 2, 2023, at their residence in Mbuya, Chwa 2, Nakawa Division, with malice aforethought. The deceased’s body was discovered by authorities following an alleged altercation between the couple in their bedroom.
Furthermore, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza are accused of tampering with evidence at the crime scene, with the intention of obstructing judicial proceedings. Dr. Otai and Amanyire are alleged to have assisted individuals evading justice.
