Justice Denied, Health in Peril As Molly Katanga's Struggles

Molly Katanga’s case has brought to light a troubling pattern within Uganda's justice system, where individuals seeking medical care are often denied bail and left to suffer in custody.

Katanga, the widow of Henry Katanga, has been embroiled in a contentious legal battle after being denied bail despite her deteriorating health.

Katanga, who was receiving specialized medical treatment at the time of her arrest, was forcibly removed from the hospital and remanded to Luzira Prison, all while in a wheelchair.

Her legal team has continuously raised concerns over the prolonged delays in her trial, which was initially scheduled for July 2024 but has been marred by repeated adjournments.

Judge Isaac Muwata, who presided over her case, denied her bail in April 2024, citing the imminent trial date.

However, with the case stalled, Katanga remains locked up, facing further deterioration in her health.

The situation recalls the tragic death of former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, whose health issues were ignored by the justice system until it was too late.

His passing has intensified the debate over the constitutional right to bail, particularly in cases involving serious health concerns.

Critics argue that the denial of bail for medical reasons is a violation of fundamental human rights.

Katanga’s defense lawyers, frustrated by the lack of progress, have condemned the delays and the prosecution's failure to produce timely evidence.

Peter Kabatsi, one of her lawyers, lamented that her legal team is caught in a "painful wait for justice," while her health continues to worsen.

Medical reports confirm that Katanga’s condition requires immediate attention, yet she remains behind bars without access to the necessary care.

Katanga’s plight highlights the broader issue of judicial overreach, where individuals' constitutional rights to fair and timely trials, as well as medical treatment, are often sidelined.

This raises urgent questions about the fairness of Uganda’s justice system and the need for judicial reforms to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done in a way that upholds human dignity and rights.

As Katanga’s trial remains in limbo, the mounting pressure on the judiciary to deliver justice without further delay grows ever more intense.