Katanga murder trial stalled as key witness (sister) refuses to testify again

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KAMPALA – The high-profile case of Molly Katanga, accused of murdering her husband Henry Katanga, resumed today (Tuesday) after a dramatic turn of events when the late Henry Katanga’s sister, Ms. Naomi Nyangweso, a key prosecution witness, refused to testify in court for a second time citing language barriers.

Despite the efforts of four prosecutors to convince her, Nyangweso refused to return to court, even after the court found a Runyankore translator. Previously, the court had been having difficulty finding a translator fluent in Runyankole (Nyangweso’s native language), which led to a recess on July 15.

The prosecution team, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, is now trying to select pathologist Richard Ambayo, who performed the autopsy on the late Henry Katanga, at the last minute, further complicating the trial.

The case was marred by credibility issues, including the revelation that another key witness to Mugabe, Ronald Ruranga, did not have a certificate to practice law.

Tuesday’s hearing was briefly interrupted by a technical glitch, forcing the court to stay the proceedings after Mollie was allowed to attend the hearing via videoconference from Luzira prison due to health issues as she could not be contacted.

The case will continue tomorrow and the judge has extended bail and further detained Ms Katanga.

Molly Katanga is on trial along with her daughters Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as domestic worker George Amanyire and care worker Charles Otai, charged with destruction of evidence and accessory after the fact to murder.

The case is being heard by Justice Isaac Muwata. Assistant Attorney General Samali Wakooli and Chief Public Prosecutors Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza are prosecuting the case.

The defence team comprises Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi and Elison Karuhanga. Meanwhile, renowned lawyer Mwesigwa Rukutana is overseeing the proceedings on behalf of the family of the deceased.