KAMPALA – Tensions flared in the High Court on Thursday, March 13, 2025 as defense lawyers representing Molly Katanga and her daughters launched a scathing attack on the credibility of Police forensic analyst Enock Kanene, accusing him of fabricating crucial call data evidence in the ongoing murder trial of businessman Henry Katanga.
Prominent lawyers Elison Karuhanga and McDusman Kabega relentlessly challenged Kanene’s testimony, arguing that his report contained fabricated call records designed to bolster the prosecution’s case.
Karuhanga pointed to discrepancies in the call logs, particularly regarding calls allegedly made by witnesses to the deceased and other individuals involved.
“My lord, as he was giving his evidence, Mr. Nyagweso said he called his uncle at 8 am. There is no call,” Karuhanga stated, highlighting the absence of the call in the provided data.
He further challenged the witness on the alleged calls made to Martha Katanga, which were also absent from the records.
“I want to put it to you that this is a complete concoction from you,” Karuhanga declared in an aggressive cross-examination session of a police forensic analyst, relentlessly questioning the authenticity of digital evidence presented in court.
The defense also presented evidence showing multiple discrepancies between Kanene’s report and certified call data records from telecom companies.
Specifically, they pointed to a list of 20 calls that were not found in the telecom companies’ data, raising serious questions about the validity of Kanene’s testimony.
Karuhanga emphasized the sheer number of inconsistencies, stating: “All that is your fertile source of imagination.”
“I want to put it to you that this is a complete concoction from you,” Karuhanga asserted, stating that “all the 20 calls are not on the call data record.”
The defense also scrutinized Kanene’s qualifications, expertise, and analytical methods, questioning the validity of the software used and his understanding of data gathering.
“We are going through all the 20 numbers to prove that you fabricated the evidence,” Karuhanga stated, underscoring the defense’s determination to expose the alleged inconsistencies.
The defense also questioned the origin of certain data, particularly regarding a mobile handset not submitted for analysis. “So you got it from the same magical place you got the data records,” Karuhanga suggested.
The cross-examination further delved into the CCTV footage, with Karuhanga questioning the timing of police arrival and the alleged presence of an ambulance van at the scene.
He also challenged the witness on the issue of blood evidence, questioning whether the blood found at the scene indicated that Molly Katanga was a victim.
Kabega, joining the cross-examination after a lunch break, focused on Kanene’s qualifications and the accuracy of his report.
He highlighted that Kanene’s diploma required only one pass at O-level and questioned his certification as a digital examiner.
“You have a four-day certificate in forensics examination,” Kabega stated, challenging Kanene’s expertise.
He then pointed to further discrepancies in the call logs, specifically regarding calls to Martha Katanga’s number. “On November 2, I want you to confirm that there is no incoming call to this number,” Kabega stated, highlighting the inconsistency between the witness’s report and the actual data.
“So your report is not entirely 100 percent correct,” Kabega concluded.
The defense also raised concerns about the custody and handling of digital evidence.
They questioned whether proper protocols were followed during the collection, storage, and analysis of the data, seeking to identify potential breaches in the chain of custody.
“In your report, did you indicate when each exhibit was examined?” Kabega asked, raising doubts about the evidence handling.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli and Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwanganya, objected to several lines of questioning, but the defense team persisted in their challenge of the digital evidence.
The accusations of fabrication have added a dramatic twist to the already high-profile trial, raising serious questions about the integrity of the digital evidence and the credibility of a key prosecution witness.
Molly Katanga, who has been in Luzira Prison since her arrest, is accused of murdering her husband on November 2, 2023. Her defense team has argued that she was incapacitated due to injuries sustained on the same day and could not have committed the crime.
The defense has also questioned the legality of the digital evidence, arguing that it was obtained unlawfully and handled improperly. The prosecution has prayed for the court to allow the submission of the digital evidence, but the defense has strongly contested its admissibility.
The trial, which has been marked by delays and controversy, continues to captivate public attention due to the high-profile nature of the case.
Molly Katanga, who attended court from Luzira Prison after her third bail request was denied two weeks ago, is jointly charged with her two daughters Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanzi, as well as the family domestic servant George Amanyire and nurse Charles Otai.
The co-accused face charges related to being accessories after the fact of murder.
