Three charged, remanded over businessman Katanga murder

Nov 21, 2023

The three accused are the murdered businessman's daughter, Patricia Kakwanza, Charles Otai, a nursing officer, and a one George Amanyire.

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(L-R) Patricia Kakwanza looking on as a police officer handcuffs Charles Otai and George Amanyire after the three were charged of destroying evidence. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

Farooq Kasule
Journalist @New Vision

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Three people, including the daughter of slain businessman Henry Katanga, have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison for allegedly tampering with evidence in his murder case.

The trio are Patricia Kakwanza (32-year-old daughter), Charles Otai (nursing officer) and a one George Amanyire.

They were on Tuesday (November 21) arraigned before Nakawa Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza, who read out the charges to them.

Kakwanza was charged with destroying evidence together with her sister, Martha Nkwanzi, who was not present in court.

The offence of destroying evidence attracts a seven-year imprisonment term on conviction.

On the other hand, Otai and Amanyire were charged as accessories to the murder of Katanga.

The offence of an accessory attracts a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on conviction.

(L-R) Patricia Kakwanza, Charles Otai and George Amanyire appearing before Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

(L-R) Patricia Kakwanza, Charles Otai and George Amanyire appearing before Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

The three accused, through their lawyers Elison Karuhanga and Bruce Musinguzi from Kampala Associated Advocates, requested for bail since the offences against them are bailable.

However, the chief magistrate said bail hearing will happen on December 4.

Meanwhile, the court has issued criminal summons against Molly Katanga, the widow, who has been slapped with murder charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, and Nkwanzi.

In a press release earlier on Tuesday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Katanga and Nkwanzi are hospitalized.

Karuhanga said Molly Katanga is still admitted at the International Hospital Kampala (IHK) while Nkwanza gave birth to a bouncing baby on Monday.

Businessman Katanga died on November 2 this year.

His body was recovered at his home in Mbuya, Kampala, with Police indicating that it had gunshot wounds.

Since then, investigations have been ongoing until Tuesday when the DPP sanctioned criminal charges against the accused.

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