Dr. Richard Ambayo, a pathologist at the Mulago City Mortuary, has revealed that the gunshot that claimed the life of Henry Katanga was fired at close range, likely with the weapon pressed directly against his head.
Dr. Ambayo also works with the Uganda Police Medical Department and has done so since 2021. He told the High Court that on November 2nd, 2023, Mulago City Mortuary received a request from Bugolobi Police Station to examine the body of the late Henry Katanga.
Dr. Ambayo testified that he, together with another Pathologist, Dr. Male Mutumba, conducted the post-mortem examination on the already cold and stiff body of Katanga.
In his testimony before the High Court in Kampala, Dr. Ambayo stated, “The bullet entry wound on the left temporal area of the scalp, measuring 1.5 cm, with no blackening of the tissues, indicates a contact shot. This means the gun was pressed against the victim’s head when it was fired.”
The pathologist conducted the post-mortem examination on November 2, 2023, alongside Dr. Male Mutumba. His findings disclosed a bullet exit wound measuring 5×3 cm, which caused 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 added.
“This is consistent with a close-range shot.”
The testimony is central to the ongoing trial in which Molly Katanga, the widow of the deceased, stands accused of his murder. She is being tried alongside her daughters, Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, as well as George Amanyire, a shamba boy, and Charles Otai, a nursing officer, who are accused of destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact to murder.
All have pleaded not guilty to the charges.The case is being heard by Justice Isaac Muwata, with the prosecution led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli, alongside Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza.
The defense team comprises prominent lawyers Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, Bruce Musinguzi, and Elison Karuhanga.Dr. Ambayo is expected to be cross-examined by the defense team as the hearing continues.
