Gunshot wound indicates Katanga was shot at close range- pathologist tells court

Another witness has testified in the ongoing  trial in which Molly Katanga is accused of killinger her husband, Henry Katanga.

Dr. Richard Ambayo, a pathologist at the city mortuary in Mulago told court on Wednesday  that the shot that killed Henry Katanga was from a gun fired at close range.

“The bullet entry wound on the left temporal area of the scalp, measuring 1.5cm, with no blackening of the tissues, indicates a contact shot,” Dr. Ambayo explained.

“This means the gun was pressed against the victim’s head when it was fired.”

He is due to be cross-examined by the defence team in the hearing currently taking place at High Court in Kampala.

Dr. Ambayo conducted the post-mortem examination on November 2, 2023, alongside Dr. Male Mutumba.

The examination revealed a bullet exit wound measuring 5x3cm, causing fractures to the left temporal scalp bone.

“The lack of blackening around the entry wound suggests that the gun was in direct contact with the skin when it was fired,” Dr. Ambayo noted. “This is consistent with a close-range shot.”

Molly Katanga, the widow, was charged by the police with murder.

She is facing trial together with her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as George Amanyire, a domestic worker, and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, who are accused of destroying evidence and being an accessory after the fact to murder.

They have pleaded their innocence.

The case is before Justice Isaac Muwata. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli and Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza are prosecuting the matter.

The defense team consists of Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga.