A new judge has been assigned to oversee the ongoing high-profile murder case involving five suspects accused of killing Kampala businessman Henry Katanga.
The case, initially scheduled for a hearing on January 21, was postponed as parties convened in the chambers of Deputy Registrar Festo Nsenga. The registrar informed them that the trial judge, Justice Isaac Muwata, could no longer preside due to health issues.
“We are changing judges because the trial judge (Justice Muwata) is indisposed,” Registrar Nsenga announced during the proceedings.
While the name of the replacement judge was not disclosed in the chamber meeting, sources reveal that Justice Rossette Comfort Kania of the High Court’s Criminal Division in Kampala has taken over the matter.
The case was last adjourned on December 5, 2024, after ten prosecution witnesses had testified. The extended adjournment was intended to allow Justice Muwata to recover and continue the trial, but his condition did not improve, necessitating the reassignment.
The accused include the widow, Molly Katanga, her daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, as well as Charles Otai, a medic, and George Amanyire, a shamba boy employed at the Katanga residence.
The late Mr. Katanga was found dead at his Mbuya home on November 2, 2023, allegedly following a domestic altercation with his wife. The widow was arrested shortly after and remains the primary suspect in the case.
During the brief proceedings, the defense team, led by lawyers Jet Tumwebaze and Elison Karuhanga, informed the court that the widow had submitted a fresh bail application. Registrar Nsenga confirmed that the bail hearing would take place on February 7 before the new judge.
This marks the widow’s third attempt to secure bail. Her previous applications were denied by Justice Muwata, who ruled that there were no exceptional circumstances, such as advanced age or illness, to warrant her release. The judge also cited the severity of the charge and the fact that investigations had been completed, emphasizing the need for an expedited trial.
The prosecution, represented by Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, is prepared to continue presenting its case under the new judicial oversight.
