KAMPALA, March 10 — The highly anticipated resumption of the murder trial of Molly Katanga, accused of killing her husband Henry Katanga, was abruptly adjourned Monday due to the absence of mandatory court assessors.
High Court Assistant Registrar Salam Ngobi announced the adjournment until Tuesday, March 11, citing the unavailability of all three assessors—Sharp Mutonyi, Simon Otongo, and Consulate Tabu—despite the presence of witnesses.
The trial, which has drawn significant public attention, was scheduled to proceed following a ruling on February 21, 2025, in which the Criminal Division of the High Court, for the third time, denied Molly Katanga bail.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, in her February ruling, rejected the defense’s medical grounds for bail, stating that the trial was at an advanced stage and would be expedited.
Katanga’s legal team, citing severe health issues including hypertension, vertigo, and multiple breast masses, as well as the Uganda Prisons Service’s alleged inability to provide adequate medical care, had argued for her release.
Katanga’s defense also emphasized her age, 56, and her status as a non-flight risk, presenting retired Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Burundi, Dr. John Patrick Kabayo, and Geoffrey Kamuntu as sureties.
They argued that her health had deteriorated, making court attendance difficult, and that denying her bail would amount to punishment without a verdict.
However, Justice Kania ruled that the gravity of the murder charge outweighed Katanga’s health concerns. “In cases where an applicant is charged with capital offences, the court must consider the overarching consideration of the gravity of the accusation,” she stated.
Molly Katanga, along with her daughters Patricia and Martha, and two domestic workers, George Amanyire and Charles Otai, face charges related to the death of Henry Katanga on November 2, 2023, at their residence in Mbuya, Kampala.
Molly Katanga is charged with murder, while her daughters are accused of tampering with evidence, and the domestic workers are charged as accessories after the fact.
The defense maintains that Molly Katanga was a victim of domestic violence and that forensic evidence indicates she sustained severe injuries during the incident. They have also challenged the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli and Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwanganya, is presenting its case. The defense team includes prominent lawyers Peter Kabatsi, Elison Karuhanga, and Jet Tumwebaze from Kampala Associated Advocates, and McDusman Kabega from Tumusiime, Kabega & Company Advocates.
The court is expected to resume proceedings on Tuesday.
