In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into the murder of city businessman Henry Katanga, four individuals accused of tampering with evidence have been granted bail by the High Court in Kampala, Wednesday mid morning. The suspects, identified as Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi Katanga, both daughters of the late Katanga, along with Dr. Charles Otai and domestic worker George Amanyire, were released on Wednesday following a bail application.
Justice Isaac Muwata presided over the ruling, citing the commitment of the suspects to stand trial and the assurance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that they would not interfere with investigations or witnesses. Despite challenges to the substantiality of the sureties presented by the accused, Justice Muwata deemed them acceptable, particularly highlighting the authority demonstrated by one of the sureties, a member of the UPDF, who did not require permission from superiors to stand surety.
Each of the four suspects was granted bail at Shs2 million cash, with their respective sureties bonded at Shs20 million. Jet Tumwebaze, one of the defense lawyers, expressed relief at the court's decision, noting the prolonged nature of the bail application process.
"This has been the most adjourned bail application in the history of Uganda, but they are glad that court has finally granted them bail," Tumwebaze stated to journalists after the ruling outside the high court building, Plot 2, The Square in Kampala.
Meanwhile, the legal team representing Katanga's widow, Molly, announced intentions to file her bail application the following day. Molly Katanga stands accused of causing her husband's death on November 2, 2023, allegedly following a domestic dispute. The prosecution alleges that Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, aware of potential evidence at the scene of the crime, tampered with or destroyed it with the intention of preventing its use in the judicial proceedings. Dr. Otai and Amanyire are accused of aiding individuals evade punishment for their involvement in the crime.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature, and as investigations continue, the judicial process unfolds, shedding light on the events surrounding Henry Katanga's tragic demise.
Henry Katanga was a wealthy businessman who died on November 2, last year following an alleged fight with his wife Molly Katanga in the bedroom. His body was later found by police placed on a small mattress in a living room. Katanga was one of the Ankole princes while his wife Molly is a relative and close confidant to key government and security officials
