The High Court in Kampala was thrown into debate on Wednesday as discrepancies in call data records undermined the testimony of a key prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the murder of businessman Henry Katanga.
The unexpected challenge to the credibility of a prominent witness in the high-profile murder trial raises serious questions about the reliability of the prosecution’s case and may significantly impact the trial’s outcome
The murder trial of Kampala businessman Henry Katanga took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, July 10, in the High Court of Kampala. The defense team highlighted inconsistencies in call data records that cast doubt on the testimony of a key prosecution witness, Timothy Nyangweso. Nyangweso, a church minister at Watoto Church, faced intense scrutiny from the defense lawyers.
Nyangweso had testified that he called Martha, one of Katanga’s daughters, on the day of the murder, claiming she informed him about her father’s death.
However, defense counsel Elison Karuhanga presented call data records showing no such call took place. This revelation prompted a heated debate in the courtroom, with the defense arguing that Nyangweso’s testimony was unreliable.
“The call data clearly contradicts Mr. Nyangweso’s statement. There is no record of any call to Martha on that day,” Karuhanga argued. The defense seized on this discrepancy to question the overall credibility of the prosecution’s narrative.
The case has attracted significant attention, with Molly Katanga, Henry Katanga’s widow, and their daughters, Patricia Kankwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi, facing charges of destroying evidence. Additionally, the family’s shamba boy, George Amanyire, and medic Charles Otai are charged with being accessories after the fact.
The court has adjourned the trial until Friday, July 12, with a possibility of a month-long adjournment if the prosecution needs more time to address these new developments. The potential delay adds to the uncertainty surrounding the trial, as both sides prepare for the next phase of this complex legal battle.
As the case unfolds, the defense’s success in challenging the credibility of a key witness could significantly influence the trial’s direction. The outcome may hinge on whether the prosecution can restore confidence in its evidence and witnesses. The court and public alike await the continuation of this high-stakes trial, which promises further dramatic revelations.
