The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Domestic Violence Takes Center Stage as Naome Nyangweso Testifies in Katanga Murder Trial
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The murder trial of businessman Henry Katanga continues to grip the nation, with turn of events in court of interest in social media, as well as legacy media. The trial took a brief recess, but is expected to resume on the 15th, with more revelations and testimonies set to emerge as court continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Katanga’s death.
The latest twist in the highly publicized murder trial of businessman Katanga saw prosecution present its ninth witness, Naome Nyangweso. After two postponements, Nyangweso, the cousin-sister of the deceased, finally took the stand.
She set the ball rolling by accusing Molly Katanga and her co-accused of being responsible for her cousin-brother’s death.
Nyangweso’s testimony, legal experts say, now adds weight to the defense’s narrative of domestic violence in the Katanga household.
In her two-day testimony, Nyangweso recounted the events of November 2, 2023, the day Henry died.
She stated that she had received a distressing phone call from the family’s houseboy, George Amanyire, informing her that a violent fight had broken out between Henry and his wife, Molly, in their bedroom. Shortly afterward, Amanyire called again, delivering the shocking news that Henry had died.
However, Nyangweso’s testimony, which had admittedly been recorded in a Bugolobi bar, was soon scrutinized by the defense.
Nyangweso claimed that she had been informed about domestic violence at the Katanga residence by both the houseboy and her niece, Patricia. Despite being the LC Chairman of Bugolobi Flats, Nyangweso did not contact the police about the alleged violence, raising questions about her response to the situation. The defense pointed out that if she had been aware of such violence, as she testified, she had a responsibility to report it, yet no action was taken.
In an earlier session, defense lawyers also worked to discredit her son, Timothy Nyangweso.
Timothy had claimed to have made several calls to Martha, one of Henry’s daughters, on the day of the incident, but cross-examination revealed that no such calls appeared on the call logs. When Timothy’s phone number for Martha was dialed in court, it was found to be inactive, casting doubt on his testimony.
Nyangweso herself faced further accusations from defense lawyer Jet Tumwebaze, who claimed that she had been using stalling tactics throughout the trial by insisting on testifying in Runyankore, despite her fluency in English.
Tumwebaze also questioned her authenticity, accusing her of falsely presenting herself as part of the Katanga family with ulterior motives.
Uganda Vs Molly Katanga & Others
4/Oct/24New Witness, claims of domestic violence, Mr Katanga’s constant fear that his wife was out to kill him & some curious family dynamics.
Yesterday, Court had the feel of a legal soap opera; complete with complicated family connections,… https://t.co/pm6RrCXYie pic.twitter.com/Hfk7CvKInt
— Anthony Natif (@TonyNatif) October 4, 2024
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