Molly Katanga's DNA on murder weapon raises question

The affluent businessman was discovered lifeless on the morning of November 2, 2023, in the bedroom of their marital home in Kampala. The deceased's family suspects Molly deliberately shot him to death.

A during the resumption of the case hearing on Monday, the state introduced evidence showing that Molly’s fingerprints were not detected on the firearm implicated in the crime, despite the presence of her DNA. This unexpected twist has ignited intense debates within the community and among legal experts.

Sources indicate that one prevailing theory being explored questions whether Molly's DNA found its way onto the weapon as a result of being attacked by the victim with the same firearm.

"This perspective raises the possibility of a self-defense scenario or, at the very least, introduces doubt about her direct involvement in the crime. This development challenges the prosecution's narrative and injects a significant element of uncertainty into the case," stated a source closely associated with the proceedings.

"The absence of Molly Katanga's fingerprints on the gun is equally noteworthy. It suggests that she may not have handled the firearm during the shooting. The prosecution now faces the hurdle of establishing her guilt without direct physical evidence linking her to the firing of the weapon."

During Monday's trial at Nakawa Chief Magistrate's court, Magistrate Erias Kakooza issued an arrest warrant for Molly, following a request from the prosecution led by Jonathan Muwaganya.

The prosecution argued that Molly's alleged illness lacked substantiation in court, seeking the warrant based on completed investigations and urging the court to transfer the case to the High Court for trial.

As the trial advances, attention is likely to shift to witness testimonies and other circumstantial evidence. A source informed this website that the defense is expected to emphasize the lack of direct evidence against Katanga and may further explore the theories of self-defense or accidental involvement.

Notably, the court has already remanded Molly's daughters – Martha Nkwanzi Katanga, Patricia Kakwanza alias Tricia; house helper George Amanyire, and Charles Otai to Luzira prison on charges related to the businessman's death.