Mr Elison Karuhanga, one of the defence lawyers, during the Katanga murder trial at the High Court in Kampala on May 20, 2025. PHOTO/JULIET KIGONGO
A Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) language translator yesterday told the High Court in Kampala that a shamba boy working at the home of the late businessman Henry Katanga told police he heard a woman being beaten and crying from the master bedroom on the morning of November 2, 2023.
The translator, a 59-year-old UBC station manager whose identity and image were not disclosed due to court restrictions, said she translated the police statement of Mr George Amanyire from Rutooro to English. Amanyire worked as a gardener at the Katanga residence in Mbuya.
In his statement, Amanyire later identified the crying woman as Molly Katanga, who is the key suspect in the murder of her husband.
“When I was downstairs or when I’m called, I can hear what’s happening. That morning, I heard someone crying, as if there was a fight. It was a female voice,” the translator quoted Amanyire’s statement during testimony before Justice Rosette Comfort Kania. She added: “I ran to the chef and asked if he could hear anything in the house. I told him it sounded like our bosses were fighting, but he said the noise was probably coming from the neighbours. I left him and ran upstairs, calling ‘boss’.”
The 16th prosecution witness testified that the police statement was recorded by a team of detectives led by Detective Assistant Inspector of Police (D/AIP) Akong Bibiana. She told court that, according to Amanyire’s statement, after knocking on the master bedroom door and receiving no response, he ran to the downstairs bathroom to alert a family member identified only as Kayengye. There, Amanyire reportedly found Kayengye bathing and seemingly unbothered by the commotion.
“I told her our bosses were fighting and she needed to come quickly so we could help. She took long, but eventually wrapped herself in a towel and ran upstairs. She also heard the cries and confirmed a fight was ongoing,” the witness quoted.
Amanyire then reportedly suggested that Kayengye call the Katangas’ two daughters — Matha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza — for help. The daughters are currently co-accused in the case and are facing lesser charges of destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact of murder.
Other suspects include Charles Otai, a medic who was among the first to arrive at the scene that day, and Amanyire himself. Earlier, the prosecution witness recounted what Amanyire claimed to have observed the night before Mr Katanga’s death. According to his statement, Mr Katanga returned home around 9:00 pm, while Molly had returned earlier at 6:00 pm, exercised briefly, and then visited the neighbours.
Amanyire also noted that the couple had evening tea together and appeared to be in good spirits before Molly went to the prayer room, from which she emerged after 10:00 pm. “They were conversing well during tea,” the witness quoted.
“When asked how he knew this, Amanyire said he was hanging curtains they had washed earlier.” The witness was being led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya.
On the morning of November 2, 2023, Mr Katanga was found dead in his bedroom following what investigators believe was a domestic altercation with his wife. Molly Katanga was arrested shortly after. The trial continues today.
Background
Henry Katanga, a prominent businessman, was found dead on November 2, 2023, at his residence in Mbuya, Kampala. The incident occurred just days after their daughter Patricia’s wedding. The circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of intense scrutiny and legal proceedings.
Molly Katanga is charged with murder, while their daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, face charges related to evidence tampering and being accessories after the fact. Other individuals, including a domestic worker and a nurse, are also implicated in the case.
