The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has addressed concerns about bias in the management of the murder case involving Molly Katanga, the widow of slain businessman Henry Katanga. The ODPP refuted claims of bias raised in a media report titled “Opinion: Breaking the silence: Uncovering the gender bias in the Katanga murder case.”
ODPP spokesperson Jacquelyn Okui clarified that there is “absolutely no bias” in the management of the Katanga case. She emphasized that decisions made by the office are based on evidence collected by the Uganda Police Force and are in accordance with the law. Okui further stated that the matter is still under investigation.
Reiterating the independence of the ODPP, Okui assured the public of the commitment to upholding principles of fairness, justice, and gender neutrality in its operations. Due to the case being before the court, she emphasized adherence to the sub judice rule, refraining from discussing the merits of the case in the public domain.
Okui urged members of the public to also avoid discussing the case in order to allow the legal process to unfold without undue external influence and prevent prejudice.
Henry Katanga died from a gunshot wound following a dispute with his wife, Molly Katanga, at their home in Mbuya on November 2, 2023. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) charged Molly Katanga with murder, while Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi face charges of destroying evidence. George Amanyire and Charles Otai were charged with being accessories after the fact of murder.
The accused individuals are currently facing various charges before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza. Molly Katanga is receiving treatment at International Hospital Kampala, while the other four are in Luzira Prison awaiting further investigations.
A preliminary police report revealed that the fatal shooting of Henry Katanga was reported on November 2, 2023, at Bugolobi Police Station. The report indicated that Katanga was found lifeless in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to his head in the master bedroom.
