The trial of Molly Katanga and four others accused in the murder of businessman Henry Katanga begins on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the High Court in Kampala. Molly Katanga, alongside Charles Tai, George Amanyire, and her two daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, will face charges related to the crime. The daughters are specifically accused of destroying evidence.
Justice Isaac Muwata will preside over the Criminal Division of the High Court. Representing the state are Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli and Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya. The defense team comprises Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga.
Despite applying for bail, Molly Katanga was denied release by the court, which found her application insufficiently convincing. She had cited urgent medical needs, claiming her illness could not be treated by Luzira Prison medical officers. Meanwhile, her co-accused have been granted bail.
Henry Katanga, a well-known businessman, died from a gunshot wound to his head on November 2, 2023, at their residence on Mbuya Chwa II Road in Kampala. On the same day, Molly Katanga was admitted to C-Care IHK (formerly International Hospital Kampala) with multiple fractures on her upper limbs, various head injuries, and was in a state of hypovolemic shock. A report from specialists appointed by the Ministry of Health confirmed her condition.
Hypovolemic shock is a critical condition caused by severe blood or fluid loss, preventing the heart from pumping sufficient blood to the body.
The indictment outlines the events leading up to the incident. On November 1, 2023, Henry Katanga and Molly had dinner together and retired to their bedroom. The following morning, a house help, George Amanyire, heard a strange noise from the couple’s bedroom and alerted others in the house. As the workers approached the bedroom, they allegedly heard a struggle, which they suspected was a fight.
The workers then called Nkwanzi and Kakwanza. Before the daughters arrived, the workers reportedly heard a loud blast, after which the noise in the bedroom ceased. Upon arrival, Kakwanza went directly to the bedroom and found her father in a pool of blood.
Shortly after, Amanyire assisted Molly downstairs, and Kakwanza drove her to Bugolobi Medical Centre and later to IHK.
According to the indictment, Henry Katanga died from gunshot injuries inflicted by his pistol, numbered UG1622200061CZ99 compact. The investigation confirmed that the pistol was in good working condition and capable of discharging live rounds. The cartridge found at the scene matched the pistol.
The trial is expected to provide more details about the events leading to Henry Katanga’s death and the involvement of the accused.
