The trial of Molly Katanga, accused of murdering her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, will resume today, September 26, at the High Court in Kampala. Molly, along with her daughters Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, is facing charges related to the killing. They are joined by George Amanyire, a domestic worker, and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, who are accused of destroying evidence and acting as accessories after the murder.
The case is being presided over by Justice Isaac Muwata. The prosecution team includes Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, alongside Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza. On the defense side, Molly is represented by a team of high-profile lawyers, including Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga. Mwesigwa Rukutana, a well-known lawyer, is also monitoring the proceedings on behalf of the deceased’s family.
The case centers around the events of November 2, 2023, when Henry Katanga, a prominent businessman, died from a gunshot wound to the head at his home on Mbuya Chwa II Road, Kampala. The indictment reveals that the gunshot came from his own pistol, a CZ99 compact, with the serial number UG1622200061.
According to the investigation, Henry and Molly had dinner together on the night of November 1 before retiring to their bedroom. The following morning, a house help, Amanyire, reported hearing strange noises coming from the couple’s bedroom, which led to concerns that a struggle was taking place. The household staff reportedly alerted the daughters, Patricia and Martha, who arrived shortly afterward. Before they could intervene, a loud gunshot was heard, and the noise from the bedroom stopped.
When Kakwanza entered the room, she found her father lying in a pool of blood. Meanwhile, Molly, who had sustained multiple injuries, including fractures in her upper limbs and head trauma, was later assisted downstairs by Amanyire. Kakwanza then drove her mother to Bugolobi Medical Centre before transferring her to C-Care IHK (formerly International Hospital Kampala).
Medical reports indicate that Molly was in a state of hypovolemic shock, a critical condition caused by significant blood loss, making it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the body. This detail adds complexity to the case, as it suggests Molly was also a victim of violence on the night her husband was killed.
The trial continues under intense public scrutiny, with both the defense and prosecution preparing to present their arguments as the proceedings move forward.
| Case Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Molly Katanga, Patricia Kakwanza, Martha Nkwanzi, George Amanyire, Charles Otai |
| Victim | Henry Katanga |
| Date of Incident | November 2, 2023 |
| Location | Mbuya Chwa II Road, Kampala |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound from pistol number UG1622200061CZ99 compact |
| Trial Judge | Justice Isaac Muwata |
| Prosecutors | Samali Wakooli, Jonathan Muwaganya, Anna Kiiza |
| Defense Lawyers | Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, Elison Karuhanga |
| Special Medical Condition | Molly was in hypovolemic shock due to multiple injurie |
