Story by Monica Mbabazi.
Kampala, Uganda – A new judge has been assigned to hear the high-profile murder case involving five individuals accused of the killing of Kampala businessman Henry Katanga. This change comes after the previous trial judge, Justice Isaac Muwata, was reported as being indisposed.
The matter had been scheduled for further hearing on January 21, but instead, the parties involved were summoned to the chambers of Deputy Registrar Festo Nsenga. During the brief proceedings, Registrar Nsenga informed the court that the trial would continue under a new judge due to Justice Muwata’s unavailability. “Before we proceed, I want to inform this court that we are changing judges because the trial judge, Justice Muwata, is indisposed,” Registrar Nsenga announced.
The case revolves around the brutal murder of Henry Katanga, with five people facing charges. During previous hearings, Justice Muwata had declined to grant bail to Ms. Katanga, the widow of the deceased, citing the lack of exceptional circumstances such as illness or old age. However, during today’s proceedings, the defense team, led by lawyers Jet Tumwebaze and Elison Karuhanga, revealed that their client had filed a fresh application for bail.
Ms. Katanga has now applied for bail for the third time, hoping that the new judge will consider her case more favorably. The defense lawyers indicated that they would be presenting further arguments to support her application.
The court registrar announced that the new judge will hear the bail application on February 7, 2025. On the prosecution side, Mr. Jaonathan Muwaganya and Ms. Anna Kiiza were present to represent the state in the matter.
This marks another twist in the ongoing case, as the widow continues her legal battle for bail.
