By Spy Uganda
In a continued legal battle, Molly Katanga, the prime suspect in the murder of her husband, Kampala businessman Henry Katanga, was once again denied bail by the High Court in Kampala on Friday, February 21. This marks the third consecutive denial of bail, with the presiding judge, Rosette Comfort Kania, ruling against her release.
Justice Kania explained that Molly had failed to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” that would justify her release. While Molly had presented claims of ongoing health concerns, including hypertension, vertigo, and multiple breast masses, the court found that these conditions did not qualify as grave enough to warrant bail, particularly when such health issues could be managed within the confines of Luzira prison.
“Those masses (health condition) cannot be termed as grave illness which cannot be managed while the applicant (Molly) is in custody. I accordingly find the ground of existence of exceptional circumstances fails,” Justice Kania stated in her ruling.
The judge further emphasized that the court must weigh all factors, including the interests of justice, when considering bail. The prosecution has already presented 10 witnesses, and the case is set to resume in March. Given the progress in the case, Justice Kania noted that releasing Molly would not serve the interests of justice at this stage.
Despite the denial, the court did acknowledge Molly’s advanced age of 56 and the fact that she had a permanent residence in Mbuya, Kampala, within the jurisdiction of the court. Additionally, she is the primary provider for her family, though these factors were not enough to sway the court’s decision.
This was Molly’s third attempt to secure bail. Her previous two applications were rejected by Judge Isaac Muwata, and in this instance, she cited serious health concerns and argued that she posed no flight risk. She offered substantial sureties, including a minister, to further bolster her case.
The case stems from the tragic events of November 2, 2023, when Henry Katanga was found dead in his home in Mbuya, Kampala, following what is believed to have been a domestic altercation with his wife. Molly Katanga was subsequently arrested in connection with his death.
Molly is jointly charged with her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, who face lesser charges of destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact. Other individuals, including Charles Otai, a medic, and George Amanyire, a gardener at the Katanga residence, are also implicated in the case. However, all of Molly’s co-accused have been granted bail.
As the legal proceedings continue, the question of whether Molly Katanga will eventually be granted bail remains uncertain, as the case prepares to enter its next phase in March.
