By THE OBSERVER UG
Some of Henry Katanga’s murder suspects in the dock
Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court has issued an arrest warrant against Martha Nkwanzi, the daughter of slain businessman Henry Katanga.
Nkwanzi is accused of tampering with the evidence in the murder of her father, Katanga about two months ago. The arrest warrant was issued by magistrate Erias Kakooza following a successful application by the prosecution, led by state attorney Jonathan Muwaganya.
The accused individuals, including the deceased’s 31-year-old daughter Patricia Kakwanza and Nkwanzi are charged with destroying evidence. George Amanyire, a 30-year-old shamba boy, and Charles Otai, a health worker, are accused of accessory to murder. The widow, Molly Katanga, is yet to be charged. The criminal summons for Nkwanzi has been extended until January 22, 2024.
The prosecution claims that Katanga was allegedly shot dead on November 2, 2023 by his 55-year-old wife, Molly Katanga, at Mbuya Chwa 2 road, Nakawa Division in Kampala city. Nkwanzi and Kakwanza allegedly tampered with evidence at the crime scene, rendering it unidentifiable for judicial proceedings. Amanyire and Otai allegedly assisted others involved in the crime.
During the court session yesterday Monday, only three of the accused were present, with Nkwanzi and her mother reportedly hospitalized for various conditions. The prosecution requested an extension of the criminal summons for Molly and a warrant of arrest for Nkwanzi, citing repeated failure to appear in court without justifiable reasons.
The defense team, represented by McDusman Kabega, along with lawyers; Bruce Musinguzi and Jet Tumwebaze, stated that Nkwanzi is recuperating at Roswell Hospital following childbirth. They presented a letter from IHK Hospital to the CID director, attesting to Molly’s surgery for scalp psoriasis, explaining her prolonged hospitalization.
Muwaganya challenged the information presented, labelling it hearsay, and maintained the necessity of a warrant for Nkwanzi’s arrest.
“But that somebody went to a medical facility a month ago for the headache and abdominal pains that she had then among others cannot be used as sufficient grounds today in January to explain the disobedience,” said Muwaganya.
Magistrate Kakooza agreed and issued the arrest warrant against Nkwanzi. Regarding bail for the remanded trio, Kakooza deferred the decision due to the High court’s file revision. He clarified that the High court has called for a file review after the DPP raised concerns about Nakawa court’s handling of the bail hearing for three accused individuals already in custody.
They share the same charge sheet as those facing capital offences, requiring High court jurisdiction for bail hearings. The case was adjourned to January 22 for further mention.
Former deputy attorney general, Mwesigwa Rukutana, attended the proceedings on behalf of the victim’s family, advocating for justice. The families of both the victim and the accused have strong connections to influential figures in government, raising questions about the impartiality of justice in this case.
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