The High Court in Kampala resumed hearings on Tuesday in the high-profile murder case of Molly Katanga, who is accused of killing her husband, businessman Henry Katanga. The courtroom was abuzz as the defense and prosecution presented their arguments before Justice Isaac Muwata.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Jet Tumwebaze cross-examined Naome Nyangweso, the deceased’s sister and the ninth prosecution witness, regarding her visit to Kigo Prison. Nyangweso confirmed that she spoke with George Amanyire, a domestic worker implicated in the case, but clarified that her visit was not specifically to see him.
The defense team, which also includes Peter Kabatsi, Elison Karuhanga, MacDosman Kabega, and Bruce Musinguzi, raised questions about the legitimacy of the prosecution’s case. The state is represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, along with chief state attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza. Prominent lawyer Mwesigwa Rukutana is observing the proceedings on behalf of Henry Katanga’s family.
Molly Katanga is not alone in facing charges; her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, along with Amanyire and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, are also accused of destroying evidence and being accessories to the murder. Henry Katanga was shot in the head on November 2 last year at their residence in Mbuya, Kampala.
During the cross-examination, Tumwebaze presented evidence from Kigo Prison’s visitors’ log, asserting that it documented the times and purposes of visits. Prosecutor Muwaganya objected to Tumwebaze’s questioning, suggesting it violated the sub judice rule and compromised the trial’s integrity.
Tumwebaze maintained that he was entitled to question the witness about her visit, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the proceedings. He highlighted that they had obtained court permission to access the visitors’ records from Kigo Prison.
As the hearing continued, Nyangweso confirmed her visits and the official nature of her interactions, but the courtroom remained tense as both sides argued over the implications of the evidence presented.
The case is being closely watched, with significant media attention and public interest, as it unfolds in one of Uganda’s highest courts.
