Katanga case trial delayed by poor internet connection

The hearing of the case in which Molly Katanga is accused of murdering her husband Henry Katanga faced a setback as proceedings failed to resume due to poor internet connectivity.

The connection was crucial for linking Molly currently incarcerated at Luzira Women’s Prison, to the virtual hearing via Zoom before the Court presided over by Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata.

Molly Katanga, who is confined to a wheelchair, had successfully applied to participate in the trial remotely because she is challenged by her physical appearances in court.

On Tuesday, prosecution led by Chief  State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya, Annah Kiiza and Samalie Wakooli the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions was ready to present their 7th witness, Richard Ambayo, a 48-year-old pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Henry Katanga’s body.

However, the technical difficulties forced Trial Judge Muwata to adjourn the hearing to Wednesday hoping the glitches would be resolved by then.

Molly Katanga is jointly charged with her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kankwanzi, as well as George Amanyire (the family’s shamba boy) and Charles Otai (a nursing officer) for being an accessory to the murder of Henry Katanga on November 2, 2023, and also for tampering with evidence that would have been crucial in Judicial proceedings.

The four co-accused are currently out on bail, while Molly’s bail applications have been denied twice on the basis that she had failed to produce exceptional circumstances warranting release on bail. The Court instead chose to expedite the hearing of the matter.