The High Court in Kampala was gripped today as Pierre Kajura, a technician with an IT business at the Uganda Cooperatives Alliance building, testified about Henry Katanga’s preoccupation with security breaches in his communication devices shortly before his untimely death.
Presided over by Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata, the court heard Kajura, the fifth prosecution witness, recount his relationship with Katanga dating back to 2017. Kajura described Katanga as a regular client seeking technical assistance for devices such as printers and laptops.
According to Kajura’s testimony, Katanga had confided in him about frustrations regarding unauthorized access to his phone and concerns over password security. Kajura advised Katanga on strengthening his passwords and guided him through changing his email and phone passwords, indicating Katanga’s awareness of cybersecurity threats.
On November 1st, 2023, Kajura recalled Katanga expressing fatigue with passwords and his desire to do away with them altogether. It was then that Kajura removed the password from Katanga’s phone. Tragically, Katanga was fatally shot the following day, November 2nd, 2023.
Reflecting on their relationship, Kajura described Katanga as a cheerful and kind-hearted man, even referring to him affectionately as “Uncle.”
“I had developed a deeper bond with Katanga. He was a good man,” Kajura told the court.
However, Kajura clarified that he did not recognize any of the accused individuals currently standing trial.
Among those in the dock were Molly Katanga, appearing via Zoom from Luzira Women’s Prison, accused of murdering Henry Katanga. The other co-accused include Katanga’s daughters Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kankwanzi, George Amanyire (the shamba boy), and Charles Otai (a Nursing Officer). They face charges related to evidence tampering and aiding and abetting after the murder.
Defense lawyers, including Elison Karuhanga, Macdusman Kabega, Bruce Musinguzi, John Jet Tumwebaze, and Peter Kabatsi, opted not to cross-examine Kajura during the proceedings.
Former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, alongside lawyers Edgar Ayebazibwe and Brian Rubaihayo, represented the deceased’s interests as watching briefs. Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Annah Kiiza represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Muwaganya requested additional time from the court to summon more witnesses. The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday, July 15th, 2024, with further prosecution proceedings.
