The High Court in Kampala has, for the second time, dismissed the bail application of Molly Katanga, who is accused of murdering her husband, businessman Henry Katanga. Criminal Division Judge Isaac Muwata denied Molly bail, stating that she had not presented new grounds in her second application that were different from those already addressed in the first unsuccessful application.
Justice Muwata emphasized that while it is permissible for an accused person to apply for bail multiple times, each fresh application must introduce new grounds. In Molly’s case, the judge noted that there were no new circumstances presented in the second application that were not already considered in the previous one.
“In the new application, it could be concluded that the applicant has failed to prove her condition couldn’t be managed by prison authorities. There is no new ground of ailment raised in the application but rather a mere mention of it. This matter was considered in the previous application,” said Justice Muwata.
Furthermore, Justice Muwata highlighted that Molly’s murder trial is scheduled to commence on June 2nd, 2024, and releasing her on bail could jeopardize the case, as the prosecution has already shared evidence with her lawyers.
Background:
Previously, on April 9th, 2024, Justice Muwata denied Molly bail due to her failure to prove exceptional circumstances, including a lack of medical reports demonstrating that her condition could not be managed while in custody.
Subsequently, Molly made a second bail application, supported by a medical examination conducted by the Uganda Prisons Service on April 15th, 2024. The examination revealed that Molly suffered from various medical conditions, including hypertension, breast masses, paranasal sinusitis, vertigo, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The prison doctors stated that the assessment and monitoring of Molly’s illnesses were beyond their capacity. “It was the Prison’s conclusion that the assessment and monitoring of the progress of the multiple breast masses was beyond the capacity of the prison’s health services”, reads the court documents.
The documents further indicated that, as of the date of her examination on April 12th, 2024, Molly’s fibrotic masses had multiplied.
Molly’s lawyers argued that, given her grave illness and the previous court finding her sureties substantial, she deserved to be released on bail.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed the second bail application, stating that there were no new circumstances warranting reconsideration.
In his ruling, Justice Muwata concluded that there were no new circumstances presented for the court to consider, and reviewing its earlier decision without such circumstances would be inappropriate.
Prosecution alleges that Molly Katanga murdered her husband, Henry Katanga, on November 2, 2023, in Mbuya, Chwa II, Nakawa Division. Molly’s two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Kakwanza Patricia, are jointly charged with tampering with valuable evidence related to their father’s murder.
They, along with the family’s shamba boy George Amanyire and nursing officer Charles Otai, were released on bail by the same judge more than two months ago. However, Molly remains on remand at Luzira Women’s Prison.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum