By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
High Court in Kampala has ruled that Molly Katanga and her four co-accused persons have a case to answer in the murder of her husband, a prominent businessman, Henry Katanga.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania delivered her ruling today February 26,2026, saying Molly Katanga and her four co-accused persons have a case to answer based on circumstantial evidence availed to court by prosecution Lawyers. The ruling comes after two years of trial of Molly Katanga and her co-accused persons.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, informed court that the evidence presented by the prosecution is strong enough to warrant a full defence hearing — a key stage before final judgment can be delivered.
Justice Kania held that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence, if believed, to present a prima facie case against Molly Katanga, widow of the deceased and the principal accused, her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwazi, family worker George Amanyire; and nursing officer, Charles Otai.
The prosecution led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Samali Wakooli and Jonathan Muwaganya alleges that on November 2, 2023 at Mbuya zone, Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City, Molly Katanga shot her hubby Henry Katanga. While her co-accused persons intentionally attempted to conceal the crime so as to destroy evidence regarding the murder.
Prosecution lawyers relied on circumstantial evidence, forensic analysis and the “last seen” doctrine, arguing that Molly and her husband were the only adults reported to be in the master bedroom at the time of the shooting.
The DNA evidence from the firearm showed mixed profiles with Molly as the major contributor — a finding the State says supports her handling the weapon.
However, defence Lawyers had asked court to dismiss the case at the no-case stage, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence fell short of proving murder.
Defence lawyers described the forensic evidence unreliable, citing contradictions in gunshot residue testing and alleged procedural irregularities on how evidence was collected and handled. They also argued that Molly’s extensive injuries including head wounds made it improbable she could have fired the gun.
The protracted trial has been ongoing since July 2025, after prosecutors closed their case with testimonies from at least 25 witnesses.
Witnesses included forensic experts, police officers, and others involved in the investigation, with some testimony generating controversy over accuracy and interpretation.
During the court proceedings, defence lawyers challenged the validity of certain witness reports and procedures, including handwriting analysis, police reports and alleged inconsistencies in testimony by key prosecution witnesses.
Meanwhile, Court was adjourned and the accused will have to defend themselves at later date which court will communicate to their defense Lawyers.
Henry Katanga was shot on November 2, 2023, at their Mbuya home, where Molly was found injured nearby; prosecutors cite gunshot residue on her hands, her DNA on the gun, and scene tampering, while she claims an intruder attacked them. The judge applied the ‘last seen’ doctrine, noting they were alone in the bedroom, rejecting defense calls for acquittal after 25 prosecution witnesses testified. The trial now shifts to the defense phase starting March 26, with Molly remaining in custody at Luzira Prison.
