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Pastor Kayanja leaves court
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By Our Reporter
COURT — On Monday, October 7, 2024, Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral took the stand at Nateete/Rubaga Magistrates Court, testifying against nine men accused of falsely claiming that he engaged in sodomy with six of them. In a lengthy testimony led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, Pastor Kayanja detailed his relationship with the accused and responded to the allegations.
Kayanja, who has pastored at Miracle Centre for over 30 years, testified that he met the first six accused individuals in 2016 during a church revival event, where they sought rehabilitation after leaving a notorious gang known as "Kifeesi." According to Kayanja, the church provided them with spiritual nourishment, and some were even recruited to work in church security and at his farm in Kiryandongo after police training. However, over time, reports of misconduct such as absenteeism, theft, and assault surfaced, leading to their eventual departure from the farm.
The pastor recounted a specific incident on September 17, 2021, when the accused stormed the Miracle Centre, breaching security and shouting false accusations of sodomy, demanding money. Their actions, which included filming the confrontation, were publicized on social media, leaving Kayanja "shocked and hurt." He vehemently denied the accusations, stating that none of the individuals had ever previously raised such claims during their time working with him.
Defense attorneys questioned Kayanja on how he felt about repeatedly being accused of sodomy.
Kayanja also linked the false accusations to similar claims made against him in 2010 by a group of pastors, which had been dismissed by the courts. He described how the accused had publicly accused him at press conferences and on social media, portraying him as a "monster." Kayanja suggested that these recurring allegations were attempts to tarnish his reputation.
Defense attorneys Humphrey Tumwesigye, Richard Ojambo, and Bernard Mugenyi questioned Kayanja on how he felt about repeatedly being accused of sodomy. The pastor admitted that while the accusations were disturbing, he was prepared to face his accusers in court. When asked if he had ever shared a bathroom with any of the suspects or if they had personal knowledge about his circumcision status, Kayanja categorically denied both claims.
The court case continues, with the defense challenging several aspects of Kayanja's testimony. The hearing was adjourned, with further proceedings expected in the coming days.
Torch Media Africa
