By The widow of the late Henry Katanga, Molly Katanga, was seen being wheeled from the High Court, where her daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi, faced charges of being accessories after the fact of murder. The daughters pleaded not guilty to the accusations related to their father’s murder.
Henry Katanga, a prominent businessperson in Kampala, was fatally shot on November 2, 2023. Molly Katanga stands accused of pulling the trigger. The second day of the trial saw a vigorous defense led by renowned criminal lawyer Macdusman Kabega and former Solicitor General Peter Kabatsi, supported by Bruce Musinguzi, Elison Karuhanga, and John Jet Tumwebaze. They challenged lead prosecutor Samalie Wakooli’s involvement, arguing she might be a defense witness.
Justice Isaac Muwata presided over the proceedings, which began with the prosecution amending the charge sheet to include Katanga’s daughters as accessories. The prosecution claims that Patricia and Martha aided their mother in evading justice by tampering with crucial evidence. They face additional charges alongside George Amanyire, the shamba boy, and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, both accused of destroying evidence.
All accused pleaded not guilty after the indictment was amended. The defense requested that Wakooli step down, citing her involvement in preparing a DNA report dated April 30, 2024, which was referenced in a summary of evidence dated January 22, 2024. The defense argued this indicated prosecutorial bias.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya countered, stating that preliminary reports can inform summaries before final reports are issued. He accused the defense of attempting to delay the trial and prejudicing the court by discussing unpresented evidence.
Justice Muwata appointed assessors Sharon Mutonyi, Consolate Tabu, and Simon Okong to provide opinions on the case, though their recommendations will not be binding. A ruling on whether Wakooli must step down is expected on July 9, 2024.
