Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Kampala High Court has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to furnish the defense team of Molly Katanga, widow of the late businessman Henry Katanga, with all necessary documents related to the DNA expert report.
The defense, led by Peter Kabatsi, had earlier refrained from cross-examining Assistant Commissioner of Police Andrew Mubiru Kizimula, the forensic expert responsible for the DNA analysis and report.
Kizimula testified that his examination of the murder weapon revealed the presence of DNA from the deceased Henry Katanga, his widow Molly, and their daughter Patricia Kakwanzi. His report, which also included DNA analysis of samples taken from the late Katanga, Molly, and the crime scene at their residence on Chwa II Road in Mbuya/Nakawa Division, has been accepted as evidence by the court.
Additionally, the court has admitted as evidence samples collected by pathologists during the post-mortem examination of Henry Katanga’s body.
However, the court rejected exhibits from the crime scene, such as blood samples, sticks, bed sheets, hospital linens, and samples taken from Molly Katanga.
The court concurred with the defense’s stance that the police officers who collected and documented these exhibits are crucial witnesses to establish their origin, storage, and chain of custody.
Also Read: DNA tests link Molly Katanga to alleged murder weapon in husband’s death
Once this chain is confirmed, the prosecution may introduce these exhibits as evidence. For now, the exhibits have been submitted for identification purposes until the crime scene officer provides testimony.
The defense team has also requested documents including the Standard Operating Laboratory protocols for DNA testing, procedures for report writing, dates of work, and data files.
Despite making this request in May, the documents have not yet been provided, leading the court to issue the current order.
The case is scheduled to continue on September 10, 2024.
