At Luzira Prison, medical staff are being accused of not properly caring for Molly Katanga, a woman facing charges in court. The claim surfaced during a court session on Monday, May 6, 2024.
Molly Katanga is accused of killing her husband, Henry Katanga, a well-known businessman. He died from a gunshot wound to his head on November 2, 2023, at their home on Chwa II Road in Mbuya.
During the court proceedings, Molly’s defense team, led by Peter Kabatsi, argued that she should be granted bail. They claimed that the medical report presented by Uganda Prisons Service showed that her health condition couldn’t be treated while she was in custody.
Other lawyers on Molly’s defense team include MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga.
According to the defense lawyers, a medical examination conducted on Molly by prison medical officers on April 15, 2024, revealed several health issues. These included cystic masses in her left breast, post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, vertigo, tissue injury, and breast fibrocystic disease.
Doctors from Mulago Hospital recommended a specific treatment plan for Molly. This included trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, continued monitoring of her hypertension, consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon for sinusitis and vertigo, and ongoing monitoring of her breast symptoms.
Kabatsi argued that Molly’s medical condition, as indicated by the prison medical report, warranted her release on bail due to exceptional circumstances.
The defense team also emphasized that Molly had strong ties to her community and was not likely to flee from the court’s jurisdiction. They provided sureties, including John Patrick Kabayo, Geoffrey Kamuntu, Maj. Gen. Emmauel Burundi Nyamunywanisa, and Margaret Mugisa Muhanga.
The judge, Isaac Muwata, instructed Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka to respond to Molly’s bail application by May 13, 2024. He also set deadlines for any responses from the defense team.
The judge will make a decision on Molly’s bail application on May 21, 2024.
Apart from Molly Katanga, her two daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, are also facing charges related to the case. They are accused of tampering with evidence. George Amanyire, a domestic worker, and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, are also implicated in the case.
The daughters are charged alongside George Amanyire and Charles Otai in connection with the murder of Henry Katanga.
