Lawyers argue that prolonged pre-trial detention amounts to punishment before conviction and undermines the presumption of innocence

The ruling marks a stark departure from previous bail jurisprudence, raising concerns about its implications for the presumption of innocence and the right to medical care

For the third time, Ms Molly Katanga has applied for bail citing her health condition but this time there is the added matter of the case stalling since presiding judge Isaac Muwata took medical leave. It has since been handed to Lady Justice Rosette Kania, who needs time to study the file and reconcile with the proceedings

Ms Molly Katanga, accused of killing her husband on November 2, 2023, remains in Luzira Prison having been denied bail twice by Judge Isaac Muwata, who at one time promised a speedy trial

Led by Elison Karuhanga, the team representing Ms Molly Katanga and her co-accused argued that key evidence from seized digital devices was improperly collected without a valid search warrant, violating the accused's right to a fair trial and risking severe prejudice.

In putting Ms Naome Nyangweso to the witness stand, the prosecution ended up with hardly even the shortest end of the stick to hold as she fumbled in one cross-examination after another.

Initially, Amanyire had shared his account of events, which reportedly described Molly being tortured by her husband.

Defence team shows court that Naome Katange has variously lied under oath over her parentage and in statements to police on her alleged meetings with the deceased Henry Katanga

Ms Naome Nyangweso, 65, recounted her final interactions with Katanga, describing a meeting at Banana Restaurant where he shared his concerns and fears.

Verbatim: Transcript from hearing last Thursday when the defence team for Ms Molly Katanga cross-examined forensics expert Andrew Mubiru on the DNA retrieved from evidence in the murder trial

As the trial resumed before Justice Isaac Muwata of the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala on Thursday, the defence attorneys cross-examining Mr Mubiru pointed to discrepancies in forensic evidence and suggested it could have been the wrong gun analysed.

Additionally, they criticized the absence of fingerprint analysis on the pistol and suggested that secondary DNA transfer could have contaminated the evidence. Defense noted that a DNA allele listed in the report did not appear on the electropherogram, pointing to possible discrepancies.