Relatives of Henry Katanga Seek Inquest Into Questionable Death

Two relatives of Henry Katanga, a notable citizen who died of gunshot wounds in questionable circumstances on November 2, have requested an inquest into his death. Brig Freddie Karara Machwa, the deceased’s uncle, and Mr Barnabas Taremwa, his brother-in-law, have raised concerns about the official narrative that Katanga committed suicide. They argue that the position of the gunshot wound contradicts this claim, as the deceased was right-handed but took the bullet to his left ear. They believe an inquest will reveal the identity of the person(s) responsible for his death.

Katanga was found dead in his bedroom, and his wife, Molly, was immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit at International Hospital, where she remains to this day. The applicants had hoped that ongoing police investigations and natural justice would uncover the truth about Katanga’s murder, but they have chosen to pursue an inquest due to the lack of transparency surrounding the case.

The individuals named in the application as potential witnesses at the inquest reveal the intertwining of family relations and state power. These include Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi, the current deputy inspector general of police and a relative of the deceased; Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, the deputy commander of the Special Forces Command and the deceased’s cousin; and Maj Gen Sam Kavuma, the deputy national coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and former Aide-de-Camp to President Museveni.

Other prominent figures listed as useful witnesses include Lt Gen James Mugira, the current managing director of UPDF’s business arm and late Katanga’s cousin; Col Naboth Mwesigwa, the director of Protocol in UPDF and Ministry of Defence; and State Minister for Animal Industry, Maj Bright Rwamirama, the deceased’s uncle.

The applicants also want several other individuals, including doctors, police officers, and household staff, to be questioned during the inquest. They believe that these individuals may have vital information about the events leading to Katanga’s death.

If the inquest is granted, each of the named individuals will likely testify and provide information about what they know regarding Katanga’s death. It is important to note that there is currently no evidence of wrongdoing by any of the named individuals. The applicants hope that the inquest will shed light on the opaque developments surrounding Katanga’s death and provide answers to their lingering questions.