Kampala – The murder trial of Molly Katanga, accused of killing her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, has faced numerous delays, raising questions about the efficiency of Uganda’s judicial system and the defendant’s right to a fair and speedy trial.
Molly, who has been in detention at Luzira Prison since February, has repeatedly had her bail applications denied. The trial has faced postponements for various reasons, the latest being the absence of the presiding judge, Isaac Muwata, who was attending a training session last week.
This follows earlier delays, including a two-week suspension to allow state prosecutors to organise their key witness. When proceedings resumed, another obstacle emerged as critical exhibits were inaccessible due to a locked storage facility.
Legal analysts and human rights advocates have expressed concern over the impact of these setbacks, noting that prolonged detentions and trial delays can cause psychological, emotional, and financial strain on the accused.
“This case illustrates a systemic issue within the judiciary, where delays compromise the rights of both the accused and the victims’ families,” said legal expert Samuel Mbabazi.
The high-profile case has also drawn public scrutiny, with many questioning whether justice is being served efficiently. Calls for judicial reform to address procedural bottlenecks and ensure timely justice are growing louder.
Molly, who denies the charges, faces continued uncertainty as the trial remains stalled. Observers have urged the judiciary to prioritise the case to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.
The case has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Uganda’s judicial processes and highlighted the need for reforms to address delays, particularly in serious criminal cases.
