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Henry and Molly Katanga in their happy times before the tragedy
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In a tense courtroom exchange, the defense team in the murder trial of Molly Katanga challenged the testimony of Dr. Richard Ambayo, a government pathologist who conducted the post-mortem on the late businessman, Henry Katanga. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, revolves around the circumstances of Henry Katanga’s death from a gunshot wound on November 2, 2023, at his residence in Mbuya, Kampala.
Dr. Ambayo's testimony became the focal point of the proceedings as defense lawyer Elison Karuhanga questioned the pathologist's qualifications and the accuracy of his findings. The defense argued that Dr. Ambayo was not registered with the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners' Council (UMDPC), a point the witness admitted, casting doubt on his credibility.
Molly Katanga in a wheelchair being escorted to court by prison warders
As the cross-examination continued, Karuhanga scrutinized Dr. Ambayo's interpretation of the gunshot wounds, particularly the distinction between entry and exit wounds. The defense suggested that Dr. Ambayo’s conclusions were inconsistent with established medical knowledge, presenting journal articles and questioning the absence of certain details in the post-mortem report, such as the lack of blackening or tattooing around the entry wound.
In one of the more dramatic moments of the trial, Karuhanga displayed a photograph of the late Henry Katanga’s right ear, pointing out what appeared to be black marks. Dr. Ambayo countered, stating that the marks were clotted blood, not indicative of gunpowder residue, as suggested by the defense.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, objected to the defense's use of journal articles, arguing that the documents had not been properly introduced. Despite the objections, Justice Isaac Muwata allowed the defense to proceed with their line of questioning, leading to further exchanges between the defense and Dr. Ambayo.
The trial, which has captivated public interest, continues to unfold with both sides presenting their arguments. As the courtroom drama deepens, the credibility of key witnesses and the interpretation of forensic evidence remain at the heart of the case. Molly Katanga, along with her daughters Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as two others accused of being accessories after the fact, faces serious charges that could determine their fate in the coming weeks.
