The Crimes Division of the High Court has further denied bail to Molly Katanga, the widow of the late city businessman Henry Katanga.
Molly Katanga is accused of killing her husband, Henry Katanga. The businessman was allegedly shot dead by his wife on November 2, 2023, at their home in Mbuya, Nakawa Division, Kampala City.
Through her lawyers of Kampala Associated Advocates alongside Tumusiime and Kabega Company Advocates, Mrs. Katanga applied for bail following her committal to the high court in February.
She contended that she is of advanced age and requires specialised medical treatment after undergoing multiple surgeries on her head and her hands to address the injuries she sustained on the fateful day of her husband’s death.
She noted that she has a fixed place of residence in Mbuya, which is within the court’s area of jurisdiction. She also told the court that she is the sole breadwinner of her family and a mother of tender children, which requires her presence.
After appearing before High Court Judge Isaac Muwata, Mrs. Katanga was denied bail. He ruled that she was not too old to be in jail, and the medical officers at Luzira Women’s Prison had not informed the court that they had failed to manage her health.
“Since the matter has been fixed for hearing, it is better that the applicant prepares for trial,” he ruled.
Following the denial of bail, Molly didn’t relent; she filed a new application. Appearing before High Court Judge Isaac Muwata, Molly’s application was objected.
“I find no new ground indicating that your ailment can’t be managed at Luzira Prison. Accordingly, the application can’t be granted,” the court ruled.
Molly is charged alongside her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza; George Amanyire, a shamba boy; and Charles Otai, a health worker.
Nkwanzi and Kakwanza are accused of tampering with evidence at the crime scene, rendering it unidentifiable for judicial proceedings. Amanyire and Charles Otai, a health worker, are accused of assisting others involved in the crime.
The four were last month granted Shs2 million in cash bail, while their sureties were bonded at Shs20 million and ordered to surrender their passports.