Molly Katanga’s lawyers insist on bail as trial progresses
Ms Molly Katanga, the key suspect in the murder of her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, is wheeled into the High Court premises in Kampala on July 3, 2024. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
- In her latest bid, the widow argues that her health has significantly deteriorated.
Defense lawyers for Molly Katanga have urged the court to grant her bail, arguing that she will not interfere with witnesses since the trial is now at an advanced stage. They emphasized that Molly, who is facing allegations related to the tragic death of her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
This marks Molly's third bail application. Her legal team, led by seasoned lawyer Peter Kabatsi, asserted that there is no justifiable reason to continue denying her bail, particularly since ten witnesses have already testified. They argued that her prolonged detention serves no legitimate purpose other than to undermine her constitutional right to liberty. The defense stressed that Molly has complied with all legal requirements for bail and that her release would not disrupt the ongoing judicial process.
The defense also highlighted Molly’s worsening health condition, citing the Uganda Prisons Service’s admission that it is unable to provide her with adequate medical care. According to Kabatsi, Molly is suffering from severe cysts in her breasts, a condition that remains untreated, further justifying her need for bail on humanitarian grounds. Her lawyers reiterated that she poses no flight risk, as she has deep roots in Uganda, where she has built her life and business, and would never abandon her co-accused daughters.
To reinforce their case, the defense presented three highly reputable sureties: Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Emmanuel Burundi, Dr. John Patrick Kabayo, and Geoffrey Kamuntu. These are the same individuals who stood as sureties in her previous applications, underscoring their unwavering confidence in her compliance with bail conditions.
However, the prosecution argued that Molly's third bail application introduces nothing new, stating that both her grounds and sureties had been previously considered and dismissed by Justice Isaac Muwata. Despite this, the defense maintains that the evolving circumstances, including the progression of the trial and Molly’s deteriorating health, warrant reconsideration.
Businessman Henry Katanga succumbed to a gunshot wound at their residence on Mbuya Chwa II Road in Kampala on November 2, 2023. His widow, Molly, along with her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as domestic worker George Amanyire and nursing officer Charles Otai, are facing various charges related to the case.
Presiding Judge Rosette Comfort Kania is set to rule on Molly’s third bail application on February 21. The decision is expected to be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the direction of the trial.
