State accuses suspects in pastor Kayanja sodomy case of delaying tactics

The state has accused nine suspects in the Pastor Robert Kayanja sodomy case of intentionally delaying their defence to sensationalise the case through media coverage.

Despite a ban on live coverage by the trial magistrate, Adams Byarugaba, two suspects, Alex Wakamala and Jamil Mwanda, petitioned the High Court to allow live media coverage.

The prosecution, led by Mr Jonathan Muwaganya, claims that this is a delaying tactic on the part of the suspects.

"We have reason to believe that the way the defence has persistently indicated unwillingness/unpreparedness to proceed, today's reasons are a tactical delay to commence hearing," Mr Muwaganya said.

He added, "They have not mentioned the High Court criminal revision No. 13/2025 Wakamala and Mwanda vs. Uganda, whose objective is to secure live coverage of this defence. This delay is intended to buy time to get an order for live coverage."

Mr Muwaganya opposed the adjournment of the case, stating that it has been four months since November 20, 2024, when a prima facie case was established, warranting the suspects to defend themselves.

Defence lawyer Mr David Wesley Tusingwire requested an adjournment, citing that one of the defence lawyers, Humphrey Tumwesigye, was unwell.

However, the state objected, stating that the letter served to them indicated that Tumwesigye would be sick on Friday and that his sickness would last beyond April 4, implying that no one could anticipate his sickness.

The trial magistrate, Adams Byarugaba, adjourned the case to April 25, reasoning that Tumwesigye has been the lead lawyer and it would be prudent for him to be present as the suspects start their defence.

"This court received a letter communicating his sickness; I do not know what he is suffering from or when he will be well. But a new counsel has been instructed, and he should be ready to commence at the next hearing date."

The prosecution alleges that the accused persons, along with others still at large, went to Rubaga Miracle Centre on September 17, 2021, intending to insult and annoy Pastor Kayanja. They further allege that the accused gave false information to Detective Inspector of Police Cotilda Nandutu, claiming that Pastor Kayanja had sodomised them.

The nine accused persons, three of whom are still on remand, are expected to return to court on April 25 for the mention of their case.