A new judge has been assigned to preside over the high-profile murder trial involving five individuals accused of orchestrating the killing of Kampala businessman Henry Katanga.
The case, which resumed on January 21, 2025, took an unexpected turn as the parties involved were summoned to the chambers of Deputy Registrar Festo Nsenga.
During the brief session, Registrar Nsenga informed the parties that a new judge would take over the proceedings, as the previous trial judge, Justice Isaac Muwata, was unable to continue due to health reasons.
“Before we proceed, I want to inform this court that we are changing judges because the trial judge (Justice Muwata) is indisposed,” Registrar Nsenga announced.
Although the registrar did not disclose the name of the new judge, sources have revealed that Justice Rossette Comfort Kania, a respected judge from the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala, will now oversee the case.
Case Background
The trial has attracted significant public attention, not only because of the high-profile nature of the victim, Mr. Katanga, but also due to the intricate web of relationships among the accused.
At the last hearing on December 5, 2024, ten prosecution witnesses had already testified against the accused individuals.
The accused include the widow, Molly Katanga, and her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza.
Also implicated are Charles Otai, a medic who was among the first responders at the scene, and George Amanyire, a shamba boy employed at the Katanga residence.
The events leading to the case date back to November 2, 2023, when Mr. Katanga was found dead at his residence in Mbuya, Kampala.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a domestic altercation with his wife.
Following investigations, the widow, Molly Katanga, emerged as the key suspect and was subsequently arrested.
Previous Developments in the Trial
The case has faced delays, with the long adjournment after the December hearing intended to allow Justice Muwata to recover and resume the proceedings.
However, his continued indisposition has now necessitated a change in judicial oversight.
The accused widow has persistently sought bail during the course of the trial.
Defense lawyers, led by Jet Tumwebaze and Elison Karuhanga, revealed during the January 21 proceedings that their client has filed a fresh bail application, marking her third attempt to secure temporary release.
The previous bail applications were rejected by Justice Muwata, who argued that the accused failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances such as illness or advanced age, which are typically required for bail in capital offenses.
Justice Muwata also highlighted the seriousness of the murder charge and emphasized the importance of expediting the trial to determine her guilt or innocence without further delay.
The prosecution team, comprising Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, has consistently opposed bail, arguing that the gravity of the offense and the evidence presented necessitate the continued detention of the accused.
Next Steps in the Trial
The new judge is expected to hear the widow’s bail application on February 7, 2025. Legal analysts suggest that the change in judicial oversight could bring new dynamics to the case, particularly in the handling of bail applications and the pace of the trial.
With ten prosecution witnesses already having testified, the trial is expected to pick up momentum under Justice Kania’s stewardship.
Observers will closely watch how the new judge navigates the complexities of the case, balancing the need for justice with the rights of the accused.
The case continues to be a focal point of public interest, not only for its sensational elements but also for the broader implications it carries regarding the judicial process and domestic violence issues in Uganda.
