Molly Katanga, accused of murdering her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, was charged at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
The court session involved tight security, including armed Counter Terrorism police.
Molly, whose head and hands were bandaged and face partially covered, was informed of the murder charges against her. She is accused of shooting Henry with a pistol on November 2nd, 2023, at their home in Mbuya Chwa two road, Nakawa Division, Kampala.
Due to the court’s lack of jurisdiction, Molly was not tried on the charges but was informed, and the prosecution requested her commitment to the High Court for trial.
Molly, who had been wanted since early November 2023, was brought to court in a wheelchair by a female police constable.
During the proceedings, Molly’s lawyers requested continued medical attention for her, citing five consecutive injuries.
They also sought access to Molly’s home, which had been cordoned off since the incident. The prosecution mentioned that the military was guarding the home, and discussions ensued about resolving this complex issue administratively.
Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza directed prison officers to ensure Molly’s doctors could access her in prison. He ruled that Molly’s family should not be blocked by security from accessing their home.
Subsequently, Molly Katanga was remanded to Luzira Prison until the High Court is ready to conduct her trial.
In a related development, the High Court Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata scheduled the bail application hearing for Molly’s co-accused persons, including her daughters Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, for the 29th of January 2024.
The co-accused face charges of murder and destroying evidence, with two others accused of being accessories to murder.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Molly and Henry had four children, and the deceased had expressed safety concerns before his death.
Molly’s DNA on the trigger and matching cartridges were cited as evidence. The prosecution argued for conviction, asserting that there was no valid defense for the accused persons. If found guilty of murder, the highest punishment is death.