Wealthy businesswoman Molly Katanga has this Wednesday morning appeared before Nakawa Magistrate Court to face charges of murder of her husband, Henry Katanga. 

Molly arrived in a wheelchair to respond to a warrant of arrest issued by the court after failing to honor multiple summons.

“Whereas Accused 1, Katanga Molly stands charged with the offense of murder contrary to Section 11 and 189 of the Penal Code Act Cap 120, you are hereby directed to arrest Katanga Molly and produce her before me as soon as possible,” the warrant of arrest dated January 22, 2024, reads in part.

Katanga, a prominent moneylender was found dead on the morning of November 2, 2023, in his bedroom at his matrimonial home in Mbuya, Kampala.  

Court has so far remanded Molly’s daughters – Martha Nkwanzi Katanga, Patricia Kakwanza alias Tricia; house helper George Amanyire and Charles Otai to Luzira prison on charges related to the businessman’s death. 

Molly was delivered to Court in a police van escorted by counter-terrorism officers.

Remanded

The prosecution said it had completed investigations into the murder case before the Magistrate referred the matter to Kampala High Court for trial.

She was then remanded to Luzira Prison till February 19, 2024.

Molly, who was dressed in a Kitenge, appeared weak.

Her head, which lawyers say was injured during a fight with her departed husband, was wrapped in a white bandage. 

According to Kampala Associated Advocates, following the numerous surgeries performed on Molly, she has experienced stagnated healing in certain regions of her scalp, evidenced by persistent scabs and blackening of the region and dizziness which has impacted her mobility and comfort in general. 

The prosecution argues that Molly’s DNA was found on the trigger of the killer’s weapon, and the cartridges matched the pistol recovered at the crime scene. 

The DPP plans to rely on postmortem reports, forensic analyses, phone printouts, and scene-of-crime reports as evidence in court.

But lawyers said the absence of fingerprints on the trigger of the pistol that discharged bullets that killed Katanga could undermine the prosecution’s case. 

Katanga’s lawyers say she was a victim of domestic violence.