Defence lawyers in Katanga case accuse police witness of examining wrong gun

Lawyers representing Molly Katanga in the ongoing trial have accused  a police expert of examining the wrong gun.

As the trial resumed on Thursday, police forensics director Andrew Mubiru was again in the stand to be cross-examined.

During the cross-examination, the defence team led by MacDusman Kabega accused Mubiru of examining a firearm unrelated to the case, pointing out that the serial number of the gun Mubiru analyzed did not match the alleged murder weapon.

“Do you agree that each gun has a unique serial number?” Kabega questioned.

Mubiru responded, stating he examined only what was provided to him for analysis, adding, “My lord, I’m not a ballistic expert.”

Kabega further alleged that Mubiru relied on insufficient materials to conduct his forensic examination.

“The police didn’t provide you with key forensic swabs, yet you proceeded to draw conclusions,” Kabega argued.

Mubiru admitted he worked with the materials he received but could not confirm if they were adequate.

The defense also contends that key evidence was omitted from the analysis to conceal the fact that Ms. Katanga was a victim of domestic violence.

“Items that could prove A1 (Ms. Katanga) was assaulted were deliberately left out,” Kabega said, suggesting that the forensic evidence was incomplete.

Weapons recovered from the Katanga residence included four sticks, a baton, and a pistol, which defense counsel described as an “armory.”

On August 28, Mubiru testified that blood and fragments of Ms. Katanga’s skull were found throughout the bedroom, bathroom, and other areas, suggesting a violent altercation.

In a bid to discredit the prosecution’s case, Kabega also presented outdated software used in Mubiru’s analysis, questioning its reliability and accuracy.

He referenced the official forensic procedure manual, which Mubiru admitted had not been fully adhered to during evidence collection and analysis, potentially leading to contamination.

Kabega requested that the court admit these exhibits as evidence, emphasizing their importance in challenging the prosecution’s claims. He also introduced further evidence, which he argued would strengthen the defense’s position.

Presiding Judge Isaac Muwata adjourned the case to next Tuesday for further hearing.

Ms. Katanga is standing trial alongside her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as domestic worker George Amanyire and nursing officer Charles Otai.

They are charged with destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact to murder. All have pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution is being led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya, and Anna Kiiza, while the defense team includes Peter Kabatsi, Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga.