Prosecution Presents 25th and Final Witness in Molly Katanga Trial

By Editor

National

The Criminal Division of the High Court on Tuesday resumed proceedings in the case of Uganda v. Molly Katanga and four others, marking a major step in the trial as the prosecution presented its 25th and final witness.

The case stems from the death of city businessman Henry Katanga on 2nd November 2023. His wife Molly Katanga, daughters Martha Katanga and Patricia Kakwanzi, shamba-boy George Amanyire, and medical practitioner Dr. Charles Otai stand accused of involvement in the incident.

After the case was committed to the High Court, the prosecution team led by Assistant DPP Samalie Wakooli and Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya presented a wide range of witnesses, including investigators, pathologists, toxicologists, scene-of-crime officers, and relatives of the deceased, in an effort to build its case.

The defence team, made up of senior lawyers Peter Kabatsi, Macdusman Kabega, Elison Karuhanga, and Jet Tumwebaze, has throughout the trial challenged both the investigative process and the credibility of witnesses brought by the prosecution.

On 2nd December 2025, the prosecution presented its final witness, Inspector of Police Otiti Clement, a 29-year-old forensic officer from the Directorate of Forensics. Otiti told court that he visited the crime scene on 3rd November 2023 and documented bloodstain patterns found on the floor, mattress, walls, ceiling, mosquito net, and curtains.

He explained that the stains formed what he described as “a custom splatter,” suggesting the blood originated from an unnatural source such as a bloodied instrument.

During cross-examination, defence lawyer Elison Karuhanga argued that the explanation did not rule out the possibility that blood from the human body could create similar patterns.

Justice Kania Comfort Rosette, who is presiding over the case, physically illustrated the defence argument in court, and the witness conceded to the possibility raised.

Defence counsel Macdusman Kabega further questioned the witness’s expertise, pointing out that his academic qualifications are in veterinary medicine rather than human bloodstain analysis.

With the final witness heard, the prosecution closed its case. Court directed the defence to file written submissions by 22nd December, while the prosecution will file its response by 28th January 2026, noting that their annual leave runs until 15th January.

Justice Kania set 5th February 2026 as the date for her ruling on whether there is a case for the accused to answer. If she determines that a prima facie case exists, the defence will proceed to present its case. If not, the accused will be acquitted and the case dismissed.