The High court has once again denied bail to Molly Katanga, the prime suspect in the murder of her husband, Henry Katanga.
On Friday, criminal division judge Rosette Comfort Kania declined to release Molly, ruling that she had failed to prove exceptional health conditions that could not be managed at Luzira prison, where she has been on remand for over a year.
Molly had cited hypertension, vertigo, multiple breast masses, and advanced age as grounds for her release. However, the judge ruled that these ailments did not qualify as grave illnesses that necessitated bail.
The court also noted that 10 prosecution witnesses had already testified in the case, and the trial is set to resume on March 10.
Molly’s co-accused including her daughters Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanzi, as well as two other suspects, medic Charles Otai and shamba boy George Amanyire were all granted bail earlier. They face charges of destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact of murder.
Molly’s lawyers had argued that she was not a flight risk, highlighting her permanent residence in Mbuya, near Kampala, and strong sureties, including a government minister. However, the judge ruled that these factors were insufficient to justify her release.
Molly and her co-accused are facing trial over the death of her husband, Henry Katanga, who was shot dead at his residence in Mbuya on November 2, 2023.
This marks the third time Molly has been denied bail, following two previous unsuccessful attempts before Judge Isaac Muwata.