Molly Katanga Denied Bail Again

Reported By Spurb Ernest

This is Molly’s third attempt to be released on bail, after two previous unsuccessful attempts before Judge Isaac Muwata .

Molly Katanga, the prime suspect in the murder of Kampala businessman Henry Katanga, has been denied bail for the third time by the High Court. 

Criminal Division Judge  Rosette Comfort Kania on Friday declined to release Molly, citing that she failed to prove exceptional circumstances of ill health that can’t be managed from Luzira prison, where she has been held on remand for more than one year.

Molly had argued that her health conditions, including hypertension, vertigo, multiple breast masses, and advanced age, warranted her release.

However, the  Judge stated that these conditions couldn’t be termed as grave illnesses that couldn’t be managed while in custody.

The court also considered that 10 prosecution witnesses had already testified in the case and the hearing is set to resume on March 10. Molly’s co-accused, including her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanzi, and two other suspects, Charles Otai a medic and George Amanyire a shamba boy, are all out on bail.

They face charges of destroying evidence and being an accessory after the fact of murder.

Molly’s lawyers had also argued that she is not a flight risk, having substantial sureties, including a minister, and a permanent place of abode in Mbuya, near Kampala. However, the Judge ruled that these factors were not enough to grant her bail.

The case against Molly and her co-accused stems from the death of her husband Henry, who was shot dead at his residence in Mbuya on November 2, 2023.  

This is Molly’s third attempt to be released on bail, after two previous unsuccessful attempts before Judge Isaac Muwata.