news 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Molly Katanga Claims Long-Term Control of Family Bank Accounts in Tense Murder Trial Cross-Examination
During a heated High Court session, Molly Katanga denied prosecution accusations of murdering her husband Henry for financial gain, asserting she has managed their family bank accounts since inception and made post-death company changes on legal advice. She admitted to sole signatory roles and appointing children to leadership but rejected claims of illegal estate interference. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/molly-katanga-i-ve-managed-family-bank-accounts-since-their-inception-5424240
Tense exchanges marked the High Court murder trial of businessman Henry Katanga on Tuesday, with the prosecution accusing Molly Katanga of plotting his death to seize his wealth.
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya grilled Katanga on her involvement in family bank accounts and companies like Merge Uganda Limited and Max Logistics. She repeatedly claimed no recollection of specific financial details, despite acknowledging 50/50 shares with her late husband.
Katanga confirmed being the sole signatory on some accounts, stating her husband never signed documents in practice. She insisted she had operated these accounts from the start, handling debts and transactions even from prison via bank arrangements.
The prosecution alleged domestic property disputes and motive for murder, which Katanga firmly denied. They accused her of depleting billions from joint accounts post-death, a charge she did not directly refute but attributed to ongoing business needs.
Katanga admitted appointing children Arthur and Martha Nkwanzi to company roles after her husband’s passing, citing operational necessity for suppliers and staff. She conceded signing resolutions alone in Luzira prison, including removing her husband from the company, but claimed ignorance of any legal issues like intermeddling with the estate.
No formal meetings approved these changes, despite documents suggesting otherwise, and she thought it was standard procedure. Justice Comfort Kania ordered document disclosure after defense objections and adjourned the trial to April 23.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)