Molly Katanga Takes Stand in High Court, Denies Role in Husband’s Death Amid Shocking Testimony
KAMPALA — Molly Katanga, widow of the late businessman Henry Katanga, returned to the High Court on Thursday to present her defense in a gripping murder trial. Appearing with a pink veil covering her scarred head, she vehemently denied any involvement in her husband’s death, asserting her innocence against the prosecution’s accusations.
Molly, who was married to Henry for 35 years, described their relationship as peaceful and stable, painting a picture of a loving couple without marital issues. She spoke fondly of Henry as a reserved and gentle man, but revealed a darker side of their lives in the months leading up to his death in November 2023.
According to her testimony, Henry had been under immense stress due to mounting financial pressures from his money-lending business. Clients failing to repay loans, coupled with the unexpected death of a close friend and debtor, Apollo Nyegamehe—known as Aponye—reportedly pushed him to the brink.
Aponye, a prominent tycoon and longtime friend of the Katangas, died in a tragic car accident in July 2023. At the time, he owed Henry a staggering Shs1.5 billion, a debt that remained unresolved. Molly recounted how Henry’s despair deepened after Aponye’s death, lamenting that he had lost everything he worked for. The financial strain, she said, weighed heavily on her husband’s mental state.
On the night of Henry’s death, Molly testified that she returned home and engaged in her usual routine—walking, showering, and helping her son with homework. After dinner at around 7:00 PM, she retired to bed. Henry arrived home shortly after, visibly distressed, and expressed frustration over unpaid debts. He mentioned withdrawing Shs210 million from the bank to lend to clients but decided to return it, stating, “I am done with this business; it is stressing me. I am depressed.”
Molly’s testimony took a harrowing turn as she described the events of the following morning. She claimed she woke up at 6:00 AM to find Henry still in bed. While she was in the bathroom, he entered naked and began violently attacking her with a baton. She recounted the terrifying ordeal: “He kept hitting me on the head while I was screaming for help. I tried to duck under the sink, but he dragged me to the bedroom and slammed me against a door handle.”
Molly sustained severe injuries during the assault, including fractures to her hands and deep cuts on her head. She revealed scars and deformities in court, including an amputated pinky finger and lingering health issues such as dizziness, headaches, and balance problems. Reconstruction surgery has since addressed some of her injuries, but she remains physically and emotionally scarred.
In a chilling moment, Molly recalled Henry’s final words: “I am going to kill myself now.” Moments later, she heard a loud gunshot, followed by silence. She maintains that Henry’s actions were out of character and attributes his behavior to the overwhelming stress and mental breakdown caused by his financial woes.
The trial has captivated Ugandan society, shedding light on the pressures faced by businessmen and the toll of unresolved debt. As the case enters a critical phase, questions linger about the intersection of financial strain, mental health, and family tragedy in the Katanga household.
— Reported by Nexio News
