PROFILE: Who is Justice Rosette Kania, the new judge in the Katanga murder trial?

Justice Rosette Comfort Kania has taken over the high-profile murder case of businesswoman Molly Katanga, who is accused of killing her husband, Henry Katanga.

This follows Justice Isaac Muwata’s decision to step down due to health reasons.

Justice Kania is set to officially preside over the case starting February 7, 2025. Her first major task will be hearing a fresh bail application filed by Molly Katanga’s legal team.

Katanga, who has been held in Luzira prison for over a year, was previously denied bail with the expectation that her trial would proceed swiftly. However, delays have occurred, with only 11 prosecution witnesses testifying so far.

Justice Kania currently serves as a Judge of the High Court of Uganda in the Criminal Division, a position she was appointed to in August 2023.

With over 22 years of post-qualification experience, her legal expertise spans various fields, including criminal justice, regulatory reform, private sector development, trade policy, corporate governance, and legal compliance.

Career Highlights

Before her appointment to the High Court, Justice Kania was the Director of Market Supervision and Compliance at the Capital Markets Authority in Uganda. In this role, she provided oversight to ensure transparency and adherence to financial regulations within Uganda’s capital markets sector.

She also served as a consultant for the East African Common Market Scorecard 2019, where she provided legal oversight and quality assurance for regional teams working on trade and integration across Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

As a Short-Term Technical Advisor for the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Justice Kania contributed to implementing a regional bond market in East Africa, showcasing her proficiency in trade and investment law.

Justice Kania holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from University College London and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Makerere University Kampala.

With her extensive legal and regulatory background, Justice Kania steps into one of Uganda’s most closely watched murder cases. Her reputation for meticulous legal analysis and integrity will be tested as she navigates the complexities of a case that has already seen delays and intense public scrutiny.

Justice Kania’s leadership in the courtroom begins with the February 7 bail hearing, marking a new chapter in this high-profile trial.