For the second time, Molly Katanga, the widow of the late businessman Henry Katanga, has been refused bail.
The 55-year-old has been sent back on remand while she awaits trial for the suspected murder of her husband. She also suffers from vertigo, breast lumps, sinusitis, and hypertension.
Judge Isaac Muwata of the High Court refused to grant her release, pointing out that she was facing a serious murder charge and that her first bail application had been denied due to the same physical condition.
Since there hasn’t been any change in the facts or circumstances since the initial application, the bail request cannot be approved. As a result, Justice Muwata dismissed the application.
Molly’s attorneys requested that she undergo a checkup on February 8, 2024, to see if her condition justified her continued incarceration.
Three specialist physicians from Mulago National Referral Hospital performed the evaluation in the presence of the resident physician from Murchison Bay Hospital. This data was presented in court.
The applicant had a cystic mass discovered in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast during the physical examination.
She also had diagnoses for resolving tissue injury, hypertension, vertigo, breast fibrocystic disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the court said.
Additionally, Molly stated that she was advised to receive trauma-focused cognitive behavioural treatment by the Mulago doctors. She is currently receiving frequent blood pressure monitoring and therapy for hypertension.
She also has to monitor her breast symptoms and follow up with an ear, nose, and throat surgeon for para-nasal sinusitis and vertigo.
Ms. Katanga contended that she had not gotten the care specified in the treatment plan from Mulago National Referral Hospital, as shown by a follow-up medical evaluation performed on April 12 by the medical staff at Luzira women’s jail.
The prosecution, represented by Samalie Wakooli, responded to Molly’s bail request by stating that unusual circumstances are required for Molly’s second bail request.
