The murder trial of Molly Katanga, accused of killing her husband Henry Katanga, has been anything but swift.
What was promised as an expedited process has turned into a drawn-out saga, marked by repeated adjournments and systemic failures.
The latest setback occurred on Monday, March 10, when the trial failed to resume due to the absence of court assessors—a glaring oversight that left the defense team frustrated and the accused in continued limbo.
A Trial in Disarray
Presided over by Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, the Criminal Division of the High Court offered no explanation for the omission of assessors, a critical component in Uganda’s legal system.
Their absence not only delayed proceedings but also highlighted the disorganization plaguing the case.
Since the trial began on July 2, 2024, there have been 16 adjournments, including four major delays. Reasons range from prosecution requests to amend the charge sheet, absent witnesses, and judges attending training sessions.
Each postponement has taken a toll on Molly Katanga, who remains in Luzira Women’s Prison despite her frail health.
A Broken Promise of Justice
In February 2025, Judge Kania denied Katanga bail, citing the need for a speedy trial.
“The criminal case session was set to resume on March 10 and would be heard as a session to expedite its conclusion,” she stated.
Yet, Monday’s adjournment shattered that promise, leaving Katanga and her legal team disillusioned.
Katanga, who appeared via video link from prison, looked visibly unwell, wearing a turquoise blouse and white head cover.
Her four co-accused—daughters Patricia Kakwenzi and Martha Nkwanzi, domestic servant George Amanyire, and nurse Charles Otai—were present in the dock.
A System Under Scrutiny
The repeated delays have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and the public alike.
Peter Kabatsi, one of Katanga’s defense attorneys, minced no words: “The system is failing our client. The promise of a speedy trial has turned into a painful wait for justice, while her health continues to deteriorate.”
Medical reports have consistently highlighted Katanga’s need for specialized care, yet her requests for bail have been denied.
Forced to remain in prison, her health has worsened, raising concerns about the fairness and humanity of the judicial process.
Parallels with Past Tragedies
Katanga’s plight echoes the tragic case of former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, who was denied bail for nearly a year despite his deteriorating health.
Ssegirinya’s death in January 2024 serves as a grim reminder of how Uganda’s justice system often fails to address the medical needs of the accused.
In contrast, the efficiency of foreign courts, such as the UK’s handling of Ugandan High Court judge Lydia Mugambe’s trial, underscores the systemic failures at home.
What’s Next?
The trial is set to resume on Tuesday, March 11, but few hold hope for a smooth proceeding. With each adjournment, public confidence in the judicial system erodes further.
The question remains: how long will Molly Katanga have to wait for justice?
