Mwanga II Magistrates Court was packed on Monday as Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Church testified against nine individuals accused of falsifying sodomy allegations against him.
The accused, including Peter Serugo, Reagan Ssentongo, Moses Tumwine, Khalifa Labeeb, Alex Wakamala, Martins Kagolo, Israel Wasswa, Jamil Mwanda, and Aggrey Kinene, face charges of conspiracy to defeat justice, criminal trespass, and giving false information to the police.
Kayanja, the 13th prosecution witness, recounted his initial encounter with the group at his 2016 revival event, “77 Days of Glory. The group, former members of the notorious “Kifeesi” gang, had come to renounce their past and seek redemption.
Kayanja welcomed and rehabilitated them, offering security training and employment at his church and farm in Kiryandongo district.
However, reports emerged of theft, assault, and neglect of duties by the group. Kayanja expressed concerns to their leader, Ssentongo, but was met with denial.
He cited an incident where Serugo disobeyed orders and attacked someone in Kigumba, outside their jurisdiction. Kayanja also received a video of the group engaging in illicit activities, including smoking shisha and working as disc jockeys.
Court heard that the group demanded payment, and Kayanja agreed to installment payments due to the lockdown. Despite this, they allegedly forced their way into the church, assaulted security, and recorded false allegations of sodomy.
Kayanja expressed shock and hurt, referencing previous false allegations in 2010 and 2013.
In 2010, five pastors conspired to recruit victims to falsely accuse Kayanja of sodomy. They were found guilty and sentenced to 100 hours of community service. In 2013, Moses Muhanguzi and Ibrahim Nsubuga falsely accused Kayanja of sodomy, but were found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Kayanja also referenced a 2021 incident where the accused persons joined Christian Life Church in Bwaise, working with Aggrey Kanene and Israel Wasswa. He received disturbing reports and photos from the farm, including rotten fruits and over 30 dead cows.
The prosecution alleges the accused individuals conspired to falsely accuse Kayanja of unnatural offenses and trespassing on church property. They intentionally provided false information to police detective IP Cotilda Nandutu, causing unnecessary investigation.
Defense attorneys Humphrey Tumwesigye and Robert Ojambo requested an adjournment to consult with their clients but were directed to proceed with cross-examination. The prosecution opposed the adjournment, stating the defense aimed to scandalize the cross-examination.
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