Summary:

• The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of Martha Nkwanzi, daughter of the slain businessman Henry Katanga, implicated in his alleged murder. The court extended criminal summons to Molly Katanga, the widow, citing health issues. Despite the defense claiming Molly’s inability to attend court due to recent surgery, state attorneys argued for an arrest warrant, pointing out discrepancies in the medical report.

The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued an arrest order for Martha Nkwanzi, the daughter of the late businessman Henry Katanga, who is implicated in his alleged murder. Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza also extended criminal summons to Molly Katanga, the widow, who is reportedly recovering from a fifth medical operation.

Defense lawyers MacDusman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, and Bruce Musinguzi informed Mr. Kakooza that Molly, the key suspect in her husband’s death, could not attend court due to her ongoing health issues. They explained that she had undergone another surgery and was unable to stand trial as earlier instructed by the court.

Citing Section 55 of the Magistrates Courts Act (MCA), state attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza requested the magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest, arguing that Molly and Nkwanzi had not responded to earlier court summons. Mr. Muwaganya contended that Nkwanzi was not hospitalized, as suggested by the defense, citing a medical report dated November 28, 2023.

Acknowledging Molly’s health condition, Mr. Kakooza allowed an extension of criminal summons for her. However, he ordered an arrest warrant for Martha Nkwanzi, describing her as an outpatient who showed no intention of attending court at her convenience. The case was adjourned to January 22 for mention.

In a related development, the High Court has intervened after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) raised concerns about the chief magistrate’s handling of the case. The DPP argued that a bail application for the three jailed suspects should be heard by the High Court, given the capital nature of their charges. The High Court has requested the case file.

The suspects currently in remand include Patricia Kakwanza (one of Katanga’s daughters), Dr. Charles Otai, and George Amanyire, a domestic worker at the deceased’s home. Henry Katanga passed away on November 2, 2023, following an alleged altercation with his wife in the bedroom. The state alleges that Molly killed her husband with malice aforethought. Additionally, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza are accused of tampering with evidence at the crime scene on November 2, with the intent to prevent its use in judicial proceedings. The state further alleges that Dr. Otai and Amanyire aided individuals, aware of their criminal liability, to escape punishment.