Businessman Katanga Murder Case!! Daughters Granted Bail As Alleged Highly Connected Killer Wife Remains In Luzira

The High Court in Kampala has granted bail to the four co-accused individuals implicated in the murder case of the late city tycoon Henry Katanga.

As per the court’s ruling, the four accused, including Molly Katanga’s daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kankwanzi, are required to deposit shs2m in cash and surrender their passports, if available. Additionally, their sureties must pay a non-cash bail of shs20m.

The accused parties, who have been in custody, comprise Martha Nkwanzi, Patricia Kankwanzi, George Amanyire (a shamba boy), and Charles Otai (a medical worker).The incident leading to the arrests occurred on November 2, 2023, when Henry Katanga was found deceased at his residence.

Martha Nkwanzi, Patricia Kankwanzi, and Molly Katanga were apprehended in connection with his murder.Unlike Molly Katanga, who faces murder charges, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kankwanzi applied for bail, presenting their husbands and in-laws as sureties.Martha Nkwanzi’s husband, Wilson Mwine Mukulu, and Patricia Kankwanzi’s in-laws, Zakye Merian Kyamanyanga and Herbert Kamugisha, stood as their sureties.

Represented by their legal team comprising MacDusman Kabega, John Jet Tumwebaze, and Elison Karuhanga, the accused parties introduced their sureties, many of whom were close relatives engaged in various businesses.Several prominent businessmen and women vouched for the accused, advocating for their release on bail.

The High Court Judge is scheduled to deliver the ruling on the 21st of this month. The charges against the accused include destroying evidence and being an accessory after the fact of murder. The bail application was submitted on January 10, 2024.

How The Saga Started?

Katanga was discovered dead in his bed at Mbuya Chwa road 11 on Thursday, November 2, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his death are contentious, with his daughters Martha Nkwanzi Katanga and Patricia Kakwanza, along with his now-widowed wife Molly Bunanukye Katanga, attributing it to domestic violence.

However, other family members suggest that disputes over family property might have played a role, causing a rift within the family.Following investigations and court proceedings, several suspects in the brutal murder, including Molly Katanga, Martha Nkwanzi, Patricia Kakwanza, Dr. Charles Otai, and George Amanyire (a domestic worker at the deceased’s residence), have been detained at Luzira Prison.

Molly Katanga evaded court summons multiple times, claiming to be hospitalized at IHK recovering from injuries sustained during the alleged violent altercation that led to her husband’s death. Prosecution alleges that Molly, with premeditation, murdered her husband on November 2 in Nakawa Division, aided by their daughter Nkwanzi.

Additionally, Nkwanzi and Kakwanza are accused of tampering with evidence at the crime scene to obstruct justice.The incident occurred following a reported altercation between Katanga and his wife, who co-owned a procurement and supplies firm called MERGE. The firm had dealings with government agencies with significant classified budgets.

A police report from Bugolobi police station indicates that Katanga was shot at close range, but no bullets or fragments were recovered from his body upon delivery to the city mortuary. His body, wrapped in a mattress cover, was transported to Mulago hospital mortuary, with ongoing police investigations into the individuals involved in moving the body.

A compact pistol suspected to have been used in the crime was recovered by the police. Sources claim Katanga was murdered just hours before he could sign a will he had prepared a week earlier, intending to distribute his wealth, including provisions for his biological and foster children.

Despite facing death threats, Katanga’s lawyer was aware of his intentions regarding his estate. Katanga’s death coincided with his involvement in arranging giveaway and wedding functions for his foster daughter, Tricia, who is also a suspect in the murder case.Katanga, a member of the Ankole royalty, was married to Molly, who has ties to government and security officials allegedly attempting to shield her from murder charges.

The situation continues to unfold.