The accused in the murder case of businessman Henry Katanga have denied all charges leveled against them. The trial, which has garnered significant public attention, took place before Justice Isaac Muwata at the High Court Criminal Division.
Molly Katanga, the widow of the deceased, vehemently denied the charges, asserting her innocence despite understanding the offences read to her. She stands accused of killing her husband, Henry Katanga, on November 2, 2023, at their home in Mbuya, Chwa II, Nakawa Division. Molly maintains that the accusations are false and has requested to be tried via Zoom due to difficulties in accessing the courtroom. The court, however, has yet to decide on her request.
Molly’s daughters, Patricia Kankwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi, are facing charges of tampering with and destroying crucial evidence that could have been used to prove the murder of their father. Both daughters have denied these charges, standing firm in their defense.
The family’s shamba boy, George Amanyire, and nursing officer, Charles Otai, are charged with being accessories after the fact of murder. They, too, have denied any wrongdoing. The trial was briefly halted to secure a Rutoro language interpreter for Amanyire, who requested the trial be conducted in a language he understands best.
Justice Muwata has acknowledged the complexity of the case and the need to make informed decisions on who should face specific charges. Consequently, he has advised Molly to return to court tomorrow for a ruling on her request for a Zoom trial.
Molly Katanga remains on remand at Luzira Women’s Prison, escorted to court in a wheelchair by the Safety and Security Unit (SSU) of the prison services. Her co-accused, however, were granted bail approximately four months ago.
