The Mwanga II Magistrates Court has issued an arrest warrant for Moses Tumwine, one of the individuals charged in a case involving Pastor Robert Kayanja.
Tumwine failed to show up in court despite several reminders, prompting Magistrate Adams Byarugaba to issue the warrant.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya informed the court that Tumwine had deliberately avoided attending proceedings, even after efforts by his co-accused and lawyer to contact him.
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Magistrate Byarugaba emphasized that the court would not permit the waste of its resources and proceeded to issue the arrest warrant.
“I have listened to the submissions and acknowledge the State’s concern regarding the delayed start of the defense hearing, which has been pending since November last year. This case was adjourned in the presence of the accused and his counsel. Tumwine has chosen to abscond despite attempts by his co-accused to reach him,” Mr. Byarugaba said.
He added, “A lawyer owes their client a duty of care that must be exercised in good faith. A warrant of arrest is hereby issued against the third accused, Tumwine, and summons will be issued for his sureties. If efforts to apprehend him fail, the trial will continue in his absence.”
The prosecution alleges that Tumwine and others trespassed on Pastor Kayanja’s property and falsely accused him of sodomy.
The other accused include Peter Serugo (21), Reagan Ssentongo (21), Khalifah Labeeb (22), Alex Wakamala (22), Martins Kagolo (22), Israel Wasswa (25), Jamil Mwanda (22), and Aggrey Kinene (21).
According to the charges, on September 17, 2021, the group allegedly stormed Lubaga Miracle Cathedral, hurled vulgar insults, and intentionally provoked Pastor Kayanja. Medical reports later disproved the sodomy claims.
The nine accused are scheduled to return to court on May 5 for the defense hearing. Three remain in remand, while the rest are out on bail.
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