Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court has issued an arrest order for Martha Nkwanzi, the daughter of the slain businessman, Henry Katanga. The presiding chief magistrate, Erias Kakooza, also extended criminal summons against Molly Katanga, the widow and key suspect in the alleged murder, who is reportedly recovering from her fifth medical operation.
The development unfolded after defense lawyers, MacDusman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, and Bruce Musinguzi, informed Magistrate Kakooza that Molly Katanga's health prevented her from attending court. They explained that she had undergone another surgery and was physically unable to stand in the dock for trial, as previously ordered by the court.
Quoting Section 55 of the Magistrates Courts Act (MCA), state attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza argued for the issuance of a warrant of arrest, asserting that both Molly and Nkwanzi had not responded to earlier court summons. Muwaganya challenged the medical report presented by the defense, claiming it was dated November 28, 2023, and suggesting that Nkwanzi was not hospitalized.
"I have heard from both counsel criminal summons can be extended for the widow because she is still hospitalized. For Martha Nkwanzi, she is an outpatient and cannot appear to want to attend court at her convenience. An arrest warrant issued in respect of her," ordered Magistrate Kakooza, adjourning the case to January 22 for mention.
Meanwhile, the High Court has intervened in the case, calling for the case file after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) expressed concerns about the chief magistrate's handling of the proceedings. The DPP highlighted a discrepancy in the bail hearing, asserting that charges stemming from a capital offense should be entertained exclusively by the High Court.
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