crime 7 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Katanga Trial Heats Up: Prosecution Challenges Widow's Account on Injuries and Events
During cross-examination in the Molly Katanga murder trial, prosecutors aggressively questioned her claims of severe injuries from her husband Henry Katanga's alleged assault, highlighting inconsistencies in her testimony about door handling and mobility. The session exposed discrepancies in medical reports, her husband's mental state, and financial matters, leaving the courtroom divided between competing narratives. Source: https://observer.ug/news/inside-the-katanga-trial-widows-story-comes-under-fire
Last week, the High Court in Kampala witnessed intense cross-examination of Molly Katanga, accused in the death of her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, at their Mbuya residence in November 2023.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya began by reminding her of the oath’s seriousness, then systematically probed her story of being beaten with a wooden baton, leaving her hands injured and requiring assistance to walk.
He pointed to prison footage showing her walking unaided, which Katanga denied. The focus shifted to the bathroom incident, where she claimed to have used her elbow to open a door while kneeling due to hand injuries.
Muwaganya contested this, citing the door handle’s height and replaying crime scene video. Witness Patricia Kankwanza helped measure it, despite defense objections from Elison Karuhanga, which the judge overruled.
Katanga clarified she swung an open door with her elbow, not unlocked it, though her prior testimony suggested otherwise. The prosecution accused her of altering her story.
Questions extended to medical records from International Hospital Kampala, alleged to be exaggerated, and how she crawled with broken hands—Katanga replied she did so in severe pain despite no medical training.
Prosecutors also challenged her view of Henry’s depression linked to financier Apollo Nyegamehe’s death and business debts, presenting loan repayment receipts totaling Shs157 million post-burial as evidence of financial stability.
The session ended without resolution, with the trial adjourned to April 14, underscoring battles over credibility and detail.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)