The pistol reportedly linked to the death of businessman Henry Katanga has been presented in court.
The firearm, described as a black pistol, was introduced as evidence yesterday by Derrick Nasawali, a Firearms Examiner and head of Ballistics and Tool marks at the Uganda Police Force’s Forensic Department.
Nasawali testified as the 11th prosecution witness in the ongoing case, where Molly Katanga faces charges related to the fatal shooting of her husband on November 2, 2023, at their home on Mbuya in Kampala City.
The black pistol linked to the death of businessman Henry Katanga was formally accepted as a prosecution exhibit in court, under the oversight of Lady Justice Rosette Kania Comfort.
Derrick Nasawali, a forensic expert, testified that on November 3, 2023, the forensic laboratory received several exhibits, including the pistol, live ammunition, a projectile, a pistol magazine, and clothing from the Katanga residence.
His analysis confirmed that the pistol was functional and capable of firing live ammunition.
Nasawali also examined gunshot residue (GSR) on various items, including clothing from Molly Katanga, her daughter Patricia Kakwanzi, and a doctor’s shirt belonging to nurse Charles Otai.
He found GSR on Molly Katanga’s right and left hands, as well as on items of clothing from the Katanga home, including a dress from the master bedroom and Katanga’s gunshot wounds. However, clothing from Nurse Otai did not contain GSR.
Questions were raised about the handling of key evidence when Derrick Nasawali revealed that two dresses submitted for ballistics testing were destroyed during the process.
He clarified that he did not personally test for gunshot residue (GSR), instead sending swabs and fabric samples to another lab.
Nasawali’s forensic report, dated November 13, 2023, confirmed that the black pistol was functional and capable of firing live rounds. He also stated that a spent cartridge found on Katanga’s bed matched the pistol.
The case is ongoing, with defense lawyers Macdusman Kabega, Peter Kabatsi, John Jet Tumwebaze, and Elison Karuhanga cross-examining the witness regarding his findings.
The prosecution is represented by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, Annah Kiiza, and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samalie Wakooli.
Additionally, former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana is representing the interests of the deceased Katanga’s relatives, observing the case on their behalf.
