The trial of nine young people accused of falsely accusing prominent Kampala pastor Robert Kayanja of sodomy was postponed on Friday, May 9, due to the illness of presiding magistrate Adams Byarugaba, who was unable to proceed with the session.
The court was expected to hear a defense statement from the second accused following Monday’s session, during which 24-year-old Martin Kagoro made an unsworn claim that Pastor Kayanja lured him with promises of money and opportunities abroad, only to later abuse him.
“I was promised overseas travel and church jobs. They even sent me for police training in Kabalye, but eventually, I became a victim,” Kagoro said in court.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
The prosecution, led by Mr. Jonathan Muwaganya, has challenged the accusations using medical reports from Mulago National Referral Hospital, which indicated that all the accused had intact anal sphincters, casting doubt on claims of repeated abuse.
Because Kagoro’s statement was unsworn, the prosecution could not cross-examine him, restricting their ability to question his version of events.
The accused were previously ordered to defend themselves after the court found they had a case to answer on charges of criminal trespass and providing false information to police. The state alleges that they unlawfully entered Rubaga Miracle Cathedral on September 17, 2021, and later falsely accused Pastor Kayanja of sodomy at Kawempe Police Station.
An arrest warrant remains in place for three sureties—Tracy Namugga, Patrick Ayebare, and Abdul Kayondo—who failed to produce suspect Moses Tumwine, who is still on the run. Magistrate Byarugaba previously ruled that their arrest was necessary due to their failure to fulfill legal obligations.
Pastor Kayanja, who testified last year, denied all claims and described them as recycled accusations similar to those he faced in 2010 and 2013, which he says he successfully fought in court.
The case has been adjourned to May 23, pending the magistrate’s recovery.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
