Molly Katanga bail hearing starts

Today, the High Court, presided over by Judge Isaac Muwata, will hear the bail application of Molly Katanga, a 55-year-old businesswoman who is pleading innocent in the death of her husband, Henry Katanga. According to official reports, after an alleged domestic dispute between the Katangas, Henry Katanga succumbed to gunshot injuries discharged by his pistol number UG1622200061CZ99 compact on 2nd November 2023.

Molly Katanga was arrested for murder following days at the International Hospital Kampala where she was being treated for grave injuries sustained from the alleged fight. A report issued by government medical experts indicated fractures on her hands, metacarpal bones and an amputated finger.

On January 24th, Molly was arraigned in court in a wheelchair and remanded to Luzira Prison.

Later, Molly Katanga applied for bail citing that she “has a strong desire to prove her innocence” and the need for medical attention, to address the injuries she sustained on the fateful day of her husband's death.

In the bail application, Molly Katanga also maintained she has substantial sureties to ensure her attendance in court whenever required if released on bail.

“It is in the interest of justice that I am released on bail to enable me to get the medical care I require, spend time with my grieving family, earn a living, have adequate time to prepare my defence and exercise my right to liberty and a fair hearing,” Molly states in her affidavit.

Additionally, Molly says she is ready to comply with the bail terms as shall be set by the court.

Molly’s bail application hearing comes after her daughters Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza who have been accused of destroying evidence in the case have been released on bail. George Amanyire, a domestic worker and Charles Otai, a nursing officer who was allegedly called to the deceased’s home after the incident are charged as accessories in the murder case and have also been released on bail after 70 days on remand.

The prosecution alleges that on November 2, 2023, at Mbuya Chwa II Road in Nakawa division, Kampala city with malice aforethought, Molly killed her husband in cold blood.

On the other hand, defence lawyers paint a picture of Molly Katanga as a victim, of domestic violence and a tragic turn of events, not to mention of a hurried prosecution eager to pin the blame without a thorough and fair investigation.

As proceedings advance, the court's decision on Molly Katanga's bail application remains keenly awaited, promising yet another chapter in a legal drama that has laid bare the intersections of power, privilege, and the pursuit of justice.