Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Juliet Kigongo
Published on 2024-01-29 15:27:27
The legal representatives of four of the suspects in the murder case of Kampala businessman Henry Katanga have expressed frustration at the delays in hearing the bail application for their clients. During a session at the High Court presided over by Justice Isaac Muwata, the lawyers emphasized that the state attorneys have consistently sought adjournments for the hearing of the bail application, which they believe is an attempt to impede their clients’ right to bail.
Mr. Jet John Tumwebaze, one of the complaining lawyers, highlighted that the bail application has been frustrated 10 times, with seven previous instances in the Magistrates Court and three in the High Court. He condemned the actions as being in bad faith and an effort to keep the accused persons in jail.
The complaints were prompted by Ms. Samali Wakoli, an Assistant DPP, failing to respond to the bail applications of the accused persons and instead seeking an adjournment. Her argument was that the documents provided to them were of poor quality, making it difficult for them to verify the information.
Similarly, Mr. Jonathan Muwaganya from the DPP’s office emphasized the need for clear and legible bail documentation for verification purposes. He defended the adjournment requests, stating that they were not in bad faith as claimed by the defense counsel.
The case involves the death of Henry Katanga in November 2023, allegedly at the hands of his wife, Molly Katanga, in their home in Mbuya, Kampala. Molly Katanga is charged alongside her two daughters, with the two facing a charge of destroying evidence. Additionally, two other suspects, a medic and a house help, are also implicated in the case.
While the bail application process was allowed to continue, the court set a resumption date for February 12 due to the annual judges’ conference. This delay in the bail process has caused frustration for the defense, as they continue to fight for their clients’ right to bail.
