news 23 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Molly Katanga Faces Intense Cross-Examination on Family Business Control and Finances
In a heated courtroom session, Molly Katanga underwent tough cross-examination over her management of family businesses following Henry Katanga's death, with prosecutors probing quick decisions, large withdrawals, and potential intermeddling. Tensions escalated as defence challenged the admissibility of key financial documents. Source: https://observer.ug/news/billions-power-a-trial-inside-mollys-explosive-cross-examination
The cross-examination of Molly Katanga in the murder trial took a confrontational turn, shifting focus from the incident to her handling of the family’s business empire after Henry Katanga’s death.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwa-Ganya presented bank statements and company records, questioning her swift assumption of control over firms like Merge Uganda Limited and Max Logistics. Katanga maintained her actions ensured business continuity for employees and creditors, denying any attempt to seize assets or alter ownership.
She explained her long-standing role in managing accounts, including debt payments, and rejected claims of unauthorized withdrawals totaling billions of shillings. Katanga insisted her access and operations predated her husband’s passing and continued post-arrest.
When pressed on documents signed from Luzira Prison, including corporate resolutions, she admitted involvement but claimed ignorance of legal implications like intermeddling. The prosecution alleged marital property disputes as a motive, which she firmly denied.
Katanga often cited memory lapses regarding specific records, prompting accusations of evasion. Defence lawyers fiercely objected to prosecution evidence, with counsel Kabega calling affidavits false and Elison Karuhanga disputing an officer’s involvement, arguing improper acquisition after the case reached High Court.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)