KATANGA MURDER: DPP coaxed suspect to change his statements, says Lawyer Tumwebaze

Jet Tumwebaze, one of the lawyers of the 5 suspects accused in the murder of businessman Henry Katanga, is dismayed by the actions of the directorate of public prosecution (DPP) led by Jonathan Muwaganya, involving coaxing one of the suspects to change their statements.

Tumebwaze was speaking to journalists following the approved bail application involving four out of the five suspects who included Patricia Kakwanza, Martha Nkwanzi Katanga both daughters of the late Kantaga, Dr Charles Otai, and a domestic worker George Amanyire who were released on Wednesday, February 21,2024 by the High Court in Kampala.

“You can’t charge somebody, commit them to the high court for trial and then begin to change them from Luzira prison to Kigo, then visit him three times urging him to change his statement,” he said while highlighting Amanyire one of the suspects who was allegedly coxed.

According to Tumwebaze, Amanyire is a poor shamba boy who doesn’t understand English, and was being coaxed every time to change his statements and accuse his   co-accused.

The four suspects were released on a cash bail of Shs2 million each while each of the sureties was bonded at Shs20 millions not cash.

After adjourning their bail application for 15 times, Tumwebaze noted that, “This has been the most adjourned bail application in the history of Uganda but they are glad that court has finally granted them bail,”

“We are happy that they have been released on bail, but we can’t believe what is happening to the profession especially our colleagues from the DPP’s office, led by Muwaganya himself doing exactly what is despicable,”

The state alleges that on November 2, 2023, Nkwanzi and Kakwanza, knowing that things at the scene of the crime may be required in evidence in a judicial proceeding, removed or destroyed them or rendered them illegible or undecipherable or incapable of identification. The prosecution claims that the duo had the intention to prevent them from being used in evidence.

The state further states Dr Otai and Amanyire received or assisted other people who were to their knowledge liable for an offense, to enable them to escape punishment.

The lawyers of Katanga’s widow, Molly, also said they plan to file her bail application tomorrow.

The prosecution alleges that on November 2, 2023, at Mbuya, Chwa 2, in Nakawa Division, with Malice aforethought, Molly caused the death of her husband.

Katanga died on November 2 following an alleged fight with his wife in the bedroom. His body was later found by police and placed on a small mattress in the living room.