Pastor kayanja testifies against sodomy claims
Kayanja mentioned an incident involving Serugo attacking someone in Kigumba, outside their area of operation, and received a video showing the group engaging in illicit activities such as smoking shisha and DJing.
On Monday, the Mwanga II Magistrates Court was filled as Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Church testified against nine individuals accused of fabricating 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 providing false information to the police.
Kayanja, the 13th witness for the prosecution, recalled his first encounter with the group at his 2016 revival event, “77 Days of Glory.
” The group, composed of former members of the notorious “Kifeesi” gang, sought redemption and pledged to leave their criminal past behind. Kayanja welcomed them, offering rehabilitation through security training and jobs at his church and farm in Kiryandongo.
However, incidents of theft, assault, and negligence were reported, prompting Kayanja to express his concerns to their leader, Ssentongo, who denied any wrongdoing. Kayanja mentioned an incident involving Serugo attacking someone in Kigumba, outside their area of operation, and received a video showing the group engaging in illicit activities such as smoking shisha and DJing.
The court heard that the group demanded payments from Kayanja, who agreed to an installment plan due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite this, the group allegedly forced their way into the church, assaulted security personnel, and recorded false sodomy claims.
Kayanja expressed disappointment, citing similar false allegations made against him in 2010 and 2013. In 2010, five pastors were convicted of conspiring to recruit victims to falsely accuse him and were sentenced to community service. In 2013, two individuals, Moses Muhanguzi and Ibrahim Nsubuga, were found guilty of similar accusations and sentenced to prison.
Kayanja also noted a 2021 incident where the accused individuals joined Christian Life Church in Bwaise, working with Aggrey Kanene and Israel Wasswa. He shared reports of mismanagement on his farm, including photos of rotten produce and over 30 dead cows.
The prosecution alleges the group conspired to falsely accuse Kayanja of unnatural offenses and trespassed on church property. They also claim the accused provided false information to police detective IP Cotilda Nandutu, leading to an unnecessary investigation.
Defense attorneys Humphrey Tumwesigye and Robert Ojambo requested an adjournment to consult with their clients, but the court directed them to proceed with the cross-examination. The prosecution opposed the adjournment, accusing the defense of trying to derail the process.
