No Gunshot Residue Found On Molly Katanga’s Hand, Forensic Chemist Tells Court

By Spy Uganda

In a significant development in the ongoing murder trial of Molly Katanga, a forensic chemist on Monday testified that no gunshot residue was detected on her hand—a detail her defense team is expected to highlight as central to their argument.

Dr. Jaffar Kisitu, a forensic specialist from the Uganda Police Forensic Examination Department, appeared in court to present his analysis of samples taken from Katanga following the death of her husband, Henry Katanga. Molly Katanga is facing charges in connection with his death.

During cross-examination by lead defense counsel Elison Karuhanga, Dr. Kisitu described his examination of gunshot residue (GSR) on swabs collected from Katanga’s hands and clothing.

Kisitu clarified that the presence of diphenylamine (DPA) alone does not constitute conclusive evidence of GSR. According to him, a definitive result would require the presence of DPA’s breakdown product, 2-nitro-DPA (2nDPA).

One swab from Katanga’s right hand tested completely negative for GSR, while another sample contained traces of DPA and nitroglycerine, but crucially, not the required 2nDPA. Kisitu confirmed that based on these findings, he could not classify the results as indicative of gunshot residue.

Karuhanga further asked Katanga to lift her right hand—visibly missing the top part of her pinky finger—before pressing Kisitu to confirm that no gunshot residue was found on that hand. Kisitu affirmed the absence of GSR.

The testimony stands in contrast to earlier evidence presented by the prosecution, which indicated that Molly Katanga’s DNA was recovered from the trigger area of the pistol allegedly used in the killing. However, the defense has challenged the integrity of that evidence, citing the absence of fingerprint matches and the possibility of secondary DNA transfer.

The defense has also raised procedural concerns, questioning whether the correct firearm was even examined during the investigation.

As the trial continues, the absence of gunshot residue on Katanga’s dominant hand is expected to play a pivotal role in the defense’s efforts to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative.