Defence lawyers representing Molly Katanga have called on the Kampala High Court to acquit her at the “no-case-to-answer” stage of her ongoing murder trial, arguing that the prosecution has failed to provide credible and sufficient evidence to justify her being placed on her defence.
Molly Katanga stands accused of murdering her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, who was found dead at their home in Kampala on November 2, 2023.
The prosecution alleges that she unlawfully caused his death, with assistance from her daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi Katanga, family doctor Charles Otai, and domestic worker George Amanyire, who are also implicated in attempting to cover up the crime.
In their 22-page joint written submissions, defence teams from Kampala Associated Advocates (KAA) and Tumusiime, Kabega & Co Advocates argued that the prosecution’s case fell apart during cross-examination.
They contended that the testimony of the 25 prosecution witnesses failed to prove the key elements of the murder charge against Molly Katanga or any of the other accused.
The defence team emphasized that while the fact of death was established, the prosecution failed to link the accused to any unlawful killing.
Regarding DNA evidence, the defence noted that the prosecution’s own expert had admitted that the findings could not definitively determine who had handled the pistol, when it was handled, or how the DNA was deposited on the weapon.
The defence also challenged the gunshot residue (GSR) evidence, pointing out inconsistencies between the number of swabs allegedly taken from Molly Katanga and those later analyzed by forensic labs, suggesting the results could be unreliable.
Additionally, the defence presented medical evidence indicating that Molly Katanga had sustained multiple injuries, including fractures and head wounds, arguing that these injuries made it unlikely she could have physically fired a gun at the time of her husband’s death.
The lawyers further criticized the police investigation, calling it premature and flawed. They highlighted that Molly Katanga was charged before key forensic reports had been completed, a move they argued compromised the integrity of the investigation.
Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, who is presiding over the case, is expected to rule on whether there is a case to answer on February 19, 2026.
If the court finds the prosecution’s evidence insufficient, Molly Katanga and the co-accused could be acquitted at this stage.
If the court disagrees, they will be required to present their defense before the trial moves forward to judgment.
By Alex Magala
23rd Dec 2025
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