The high-profile murder trial of prominent Ugandan businessman Henry Katanga took a dramatic twist this week as digital forensic evidence was presented in court
Testifying before Justice Rosette Comfort Kania at the High Court in Kampala, police digital forensic examiner AIP Enoch Kanene revealed significant phone activity and disturbing video footage recorded on the day Katanga died, November 2, 2023.
Kanene told the court that Denise Nayebare, a relative present at Katanga’s residence, made or received an astonishing 101 phone calls that day, raising suspicions about her involvement.
“My Lord, the handset was first used at 6:19 a.m., beginning with a missed call from a contact saved as Nelson Mbuya,” he stated. The high volume of calls has intensified scrutiny over Nayebare’s actions in the hours surrounding Katanga’s death.
In a further revelation, Kanene detailed disturbing video evidence found on a mobile phone belonging to George Amanyire, the family’s shamba boy. Three short video clips, recorded at 9:41 a.m., showed bloodstains on the corridor floor and inside Katanga’s bedroom. Still images, including a selfie of Amanyire wearing a blood-stained shirt, were also retrieved.
Meanwhile, forensic records showed that Molly Katanga, the widow of the deceased, had minimal phone activity on the same day. Her phone recorded only one missed call at 11:31 a.m. from a contact saved as “Babiba/Grace.”
Henry Katanga, a well-known businessman with close ties to Uganda’s security and political circles, died under mysterious circumstances at his home in Mbuya, Kampala. Initial reports indicated that he had been shot in his bedroom, with his wife, Molly Katanga, present at the time.
Following his death, allegations of a cover-up and evidence tampering emerged. Molly Katanga was later charged with murder, while other family members, including their daughters, face charges related to being accessories to murder, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice.
The case has gripped the nation, with each court session uncovering new details that could reshape the investigation. As proceedings continue, the prosecution is expected to present further forensic evidence in an effort to establish a clearer picture of what transpired on that fateful day.