KAMPALA- The Prosecution has presented its first witness in the Katanga murder trial; a medical Dr. Julius Muhwezi attached to the police’s Directorate of Health services at Nsambya.
Dr Muhwezi who requested that his face is not shown on camera has testified before the High court that he examined both the physical and mental status of 2 out of the 5 suspects in this case.
He says on 12th/ November 2023 , he examined 30 year old George Amanyire ; the family’s shamba boy and 31 year old male nurse Otai Charles and found out that both had no physical injuries seen on their bodies and that they were in a good mental status.
Dr. Muhwezi has further told court that he later filled his findings in a police form 24 and returned it to the investigating officer. The two police forms have been tendered before trial judge Isaac Muwata as the first prosecution exhibit in the case.
Earlier the court first made a ruling in which lead state prosecutor Samalie Wakooli was spared from turning into a defence witness for preparing and signing a summary of evidence sending the Katanga murder suspects before the High court for trial.
According to Justice Muwata, Assistant DPP Samalie Wakooli cannot be a competent witness as the law empowers the office of the DPP to conduct and supervise investigations and later prepare a summary of evidence to give adequate information to an accused person to prepare there would be defence at trial.
The judge further ruled that the summary of evidence is proved through calling witnesses to testify that the defence also has an opportunity to cross-examine. Today’s ruling arose from an application by defence lawyers to have Wakooli testify on their behalf for alluding to the contents of a DNA report that was allegedly not in existence by that time.
In a related development Molly Katanga has also been allowed by court to attend her trial via Zoom on grounds of ill- health that poses mobility difficulties to her. However even though the prosecution never objected, Katanga will be required physically in court for defense.
