The murder trial of Ms Molly Katanga failed to resume on Monday, March 10, after the court opened without assessors. This oversight was not just a technicality; it underscored the painful reality that Ms Katanga, already grappling with deep health concerns, remains trapped in a system that has failed to deliver on its promises.
The Criminal Division of the High Court, presided over by Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, offered no explanation for the omission, leaving the defence team both bewildered and enraged.
The absence of assessors in a high-profile case like this speaks volumes about the disarray in the trial’s proceedings and the growing frustration of all parties involved.
Since July 2, 2024, when Justice Isaac Muwata opened the trial to determine whether Molly Katanga killed her husband, Henry Katanga, on November 2, 2023, as the prosecution alleges, Monday’s adjournment marked the fourth such major delay.
But there have been a total of 16 adjournments during the period due to prosecution asking for time to amend the charge sheet, a witness not showing up, a judge being inundated with training…
With each adjournment, the anguish felt by Ms Katanga mounts. This is the same woman who, on April 9, 2024, was denied bail, despite being in frail health and suffering from multiple illnesses.
Despite promises of a speedy trial, the court’s actions have led to only one conclusion: a cruel farce.
While denying Ms Katanga bail on February 21, 2025, Judge Kania said: “The criminal case session case 0100 of 2024 was set to resume on March 10th 2025 and would be heard as session to expedite its conclusion.”
Today, the court started filling up by 9am to the scheduled 10am business. Ms Katanga, in a turquoise blouse and white head cover, was shown on the screen behind the judge’s seat. She’s following this from Luzira Women’s Prison.
Her four co-accused – daughters Patricia Kakwenzi, Martha Nkwanzi and domestic servant George Amanyire and nurse Charles Otai – enter the dock.
Samali Wakholi, the assistant Director of Public Prosecution, introduced the prosecution. “Your honour, may it please you, Samali Wakholi is my name. Your Worship, I’m the Assistant DPP. I’m here on behalf of the state, together with Mr Jonathan Muwaganya, Chief State Attorney and Anna Kiiza, also a Chief State attorney.
But it was not Judge Kania in the court, instead a registrar had taken her seat, leaving the court on tension.
The defence team from the two law firms, Kampala Associated Advocates (Peter Kabatsi, Elison Karuhanga and Jet Tumwebaze) and MacDusman Kabega of Tumusiime Kabega and Co Advocates looked on in suspense.
The prosecution had its 10th witness ready. The man wearing a blue jacket on top of white shirt and black kakhi pants, is probably the man who failed to take to the stand on November 24 before the last indefinite adjournment.
Shortly before 10:10am, the magistrate announces: “My instructions from the trial Judge is that this matter be adjourned till tomorrow 11am for hearing.”
The promised swift justice has turned into a never-ending saga. Each adjournment chips away at her already fragile health, and the emotional toll is unbearable. What was meant to be an expedited legal process has now dragged on interminably, showing no real progress and no relief for the woman at its centre.
Monday’s court session, marred by the absence of assessors, was not just an embarrassing blunder—it was yet another painful reminder that Ms Katanga’s right to a fair trial is being undermined at every turn.
Ms Katanga when she was first arraigned before court in January 2024 | Courtesy-URN
In Uganda’s legal system, court assessors, though non-lawyers, offer vital insight on matters of local custom and law. Their input, while advisory, is considered crucial in rendering a final verdict. Yet, in this high-profile case, the system has once again failed her.
Since the trial began, there have been multiple delays. In July 2024, the trial was postponed for two weeks as state prosecutors scrambled to prepare their key witness.
August saw another adjournment as Justice Isaac Muwata attended judicial training, delaying proceedings further.
Then, in November 2024, proceedings came to an indefinite halt when Justice Muwata took medical leave, with the case reassigned to Lady Justice Kania.
These delays are not just a logistical inconvenience—they represent an infringement on Ms Katanga’s right to a fair and speedy trial, as enshrined in Uganda’s constitution.
Critics argue that these endless adjournments are a clear violation of her constitutional rights, and each day that passes without resolution only deepens her suffering.
The emotional and psychological toll on both the accused and the victim’s family is staggering. As each day without a resolution stretches on, the impact on Ms Katanga is more than just professional—it is deeply personal.
The delay in this trial has led to a loss of public confidence in the judicial system. The heart-wrenching reality is that Molly is forced to wait in agony, her health deteriorating further while the wheels of justice grind to a halt.
Peter Kabatsi, one of her defence attorneys, made it clear: “The system is failing our client. The promise of a speedy trial has turned into a painful wait for justice, while her health continues to deteriorate.”
Medical reports have consistently confirmed that Molly requires specialised care, but the authorities continue to ignore her urgent medical needs.
Ms Katanga was forcibly removed from the hospital where she was receiving essential treatment, charged, and remanded to Luzira Prison.
Brought to court in a wheelchair, she was subjected to farcical scenes where police violated her hospital privacy, accusing her of feigning illness to escape justice. Only later would government examiners confirm the severity of her injuries.
Despite clear medical evidence outlining her need for specialised treatment, Judge Muwata denied her bail and insisted on scheduling the trial for July 2, 2024.
The promise of a speedy trial has proven to be hollow, and with each passing day, Molly’s health continues to worsen. This delay is not just a procedural issue; it is a question of life and death.
Her predicament draws painful parallels with that of former Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, who was denied bail for nearly a year despite his worsening health condition.
Tragically, Ssegirinya succumbed to his illnesses in January this year—a chilling reminder of how health issues are tragically mishandled within Uganda’s justice system.
In stark contrast, in the UK, Ugandan High Court judge Lydia Mugambe’s modern slavery trial is nearing its conclusion, despite her only being taken into custody in August.
The speed and efficiency of foreign courts shine a harsh light on the systemic failures at home.
Now, with the case resuming tomorrow, March 11, after a long hiatus, few hold hope that it will proceed without yet another setback.
The repeated delays punctuated by adjournments continue to erode any faith in a timely resolution. The question lingers: how long will Molly Katanga continue to wait for the justice she so desperately needs?
The High Court in Kampala has adjourned the case in which Molly Katanga is accused of murdering her husband, Henry Katanga, to tomorrow. The court cited the absence of assessors as the reason for yet another delay.
As the case lingers, mixed feelings continue to circulate at the High Court in Kampala, with many questioning whether justice will ever be served—or if this drawn-out process will ultimately take its toll on an already vulnerable woman.
The major adjournments:
- July 2024: The trial was postponed for two weeks to allow state prosecutors to prepare their key witness.
- August 2024: A subsequent adjournment occurred due to the trial judge, Justice Isaac Muwata, attending a judicial training, leading to a further delay of one week.
- November 2024: Proceedings stalled indefinitely following Justice Muwata’s medical leave, with the case reassigned to Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania.
