By Jimmy Muhumuza
Kampala
In the ongoing trial of the alleged murder of businessman Henry Katanga, the prosecution presented its eighth witness, Dr. Andrew Mubiru, Commissioner of Police and Director of Forensic Science at the Uganda Police.
The defense objected to Mubiru’s testimony, arguing that his expert report had not been fully disclosed. They pointed out discrepancies between the report initially provided by the prosecution and the original forensic report, leading to a 30-minute adjournment. After reviewing the documents, the court allowed the testimony to proceed.
Mubiru’s testimony detailed forensic evidence gathered from the crime scene, including the presence of blood in various locations, such as the balcony, ceiling, and master bedroom. This evidence suggested a violent confrontation on the morning of November 2nd, 2023 when Henry Katanga was allegedly murdered at his home on Chwa II Road in Mbuya.
Mubiru also testified that forensic analysis revealed the presence of multiple clubs and sticks, a baton, and traces of blood on door handles and bathroom fixtures. Despite a postmortem report indicating a single gunshot wound as the cause of death and no injuries on the deceased, the extent of the blood evidence raised concerns about the brutality of the confrontation.
Last year, the police arrested Katanga’s widow, 56-year-old Molly Katanga, along with their two daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi. They, along with a shamba boy, George Amanyire, and a nursing officer, Charles Otai, are facing charges of murder, destroying evidence, and being accessories after the fact. While the other suspects are out on bail, Molly Katanga remains in prison, attending her trial via Zoom.
Mubiru is expected to continue his testimony on Wednesday, including presenting his 48-page forensic report detailing DNA analysis conducted on samples from the crime scene and other exhibits, such as the alleged murder weapon, clothing, and hospital sheets recovered from Molly Katanga’s stay at IHK hospital after she sustained head and limb injuries.
