The High Court Criminal Division, presided over by Judge Isaac Muwata, has fixed July 2nd, 2024, as the commencement date for the trial involving businesswoman Molly Katanga and her two daughters. They are accused of the murder of businessman Henry Katanga, their family patriarch.

The trial date was established during a planning meeting between the judge, representatives of Katanga’s legal team, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). According to the prosecution, Katanga was fatally shot by his wife, Molly, on November 2nd, 2023, at their residence on Chwa Two Road in Kampala.

The prosecution alleges that Molly’s daughters, Patrica Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwazi, interfered with crucial evidence related to their father’s murder. Additionally, the family’s shamba, George Amanyire, and a male nurse, Charles Otai, are charged as accessories after the murder.

Last month, all four individuals were granted bail at two million shillings each, except for Molly, who remains in remand at Luzira Women’s Prison. Molly has applied for bail, with a hearing scheduled for April 3rd, 2024.

In her bail application, represented by lawyers Jet Tumwebaze and MacDusman Kabega, Molly asserts her innocence and highlights her need for specialized post-operative care following five major surgeries.

Molly lists prominent figures as proposed sureties, emphasizing her fixed place of abode and commitment to bail terms. She pledges not to interfere with investigations or witnesses once released on bail.

Furthermore, Molly, aged 55, emphasizes her role as the sole breadwinner for her family and caretaker of a dependent child. She urges the court to consider her plea for release amid concerns about the delay in commencing her trial.

The court will assess Molly’s arguments and circumstances before deciding on her bail application.