The trial of Molly Katanga, accused of killing her husband Henry, has been making headlines in Uganda for over two years. The case has been marked by shocking twists and turns, leaving many wondering what really happened on that fateful night.
Molly, 57, is accused of shooting her husband, a prominent businessman, at their Mbuya home in Kampala on November 2nd 2023.
Molly presented her defense on Thursday, March 27, 2026, before High Court judge Comfort Kania .
Her defense comes after a ruling by the said Justice, dismissing a, “no case to answer” submitted by her legal team.
According to Molly’s testimony, Henry had been struggling to cope with the pressures of his money-lending business. Several debtors had defaulted on their loans, leaving him financially strained. The death of a close friend and business associate Aponye who died in an accident, had also taken a toll on his mental health.
Molly recounted the events leading up to the shooting, saying Henry had become increasingly violent, beating her and causing severe injuries, including head wounds and broken bones. Just before the shooting, Henry had expressed suicidal intentions, saying “I am going to kill myself now”. Molly maintains she didn’t kill her husband and doesn’t know how to use a gun.
Her defense team argues that Henry’s financial stress and mental breakdown led him to take his own life. They point to inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, citing flaws in forensic evidence and witness testimonies.
Medical evidence also supports Molly’s account of self-defense,
they say.
Key points of Molly’s defense include:
– Henry was under extreme stress due to his business troubles
– He had expressed suicidal intentions before the shooting
– Molly had been violently beaten by Henry, sustaining severe injuries
– She believes Henry’s mental breakdown led to his death
The trial has heard from several key witnesses, including the pathologist who conducted the autopsy and a forensic expert. Their testimonies have raised more questions than answers, highlighting discrepancies in the handling of evidence and the interpretation of forensic results.
Molly’s daughters, Patricia and Martha, along with a medic and a household employee, are also facing charges related to evidence tampering and being accessories after the fact.
As the trial nears its conclusion, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania is expected to rule on whether the prosecution has made a strong enough case against Molly. The outcome is eagerly awaited, with many calling for justice for Henry Katanga.
The case has sparked intense public interest, with many wondering what really happened behind the closed doors of the Katanga household. Was it a crime of passion, or a desperate act of self-defense? The truth may never be fully known, but one thing is certain – the Katanga murder trial will be remembered as one of Uganda’s most intriguing and complex cases.
