The Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest of three individuals who acted as sureties for Moses Tumwine, a central figure in a high-profile case involving alleged false accusations against renowned preacher Pastor Robert Kayanja.
The arrest warrants were issued by Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba on Monday, following a request from Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya. The sureties Tracy Namugga, Patrick Ayebare, and Abdul Kayondo are accused of failing to ensure Tumwine’s appearance in court as required.
In addition to the sureties, the court also extended the warrant to Tumwine himself, who remains on the run. Magistrate Byarugaba authorized that the trial would proceed in his absence to avoid further delays.
Tumwine is one of nine people accused of orchestrating a false sodomy claim against Pastor Kayanja. The case dates back to September 17, 2021, when the group allegedly reported fabricated allegations to police, an act prosecutors say was part of a coordinated effort to obstruct justice. The other accused include Peter Serugo, Reagan Ssentongo, Khalifa Labeeb, Alex Wakamala, Martin Kagoro, Israel Wasswa, Jamil Mwanda, and Aggrey Kinene.
In court, the remaining defendants were directed to begin presenting their defense on separate charges of criminal trespass at Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral. Prosecutors argue they entered the church premises with intent to provoke or harass the pastor.
During the proceedings, Martin Kagoro testified about his previous association with the church, including duties he performed while armed. However, the magistrate cautioned him to focus his defense strictly on the charges at hand.
According to the prosecution, some of the accused reportedly including former police officers gave misleading statements to detectives, including IP Cotilda Nandutu, thereby diverting investigative resources.
Pastor Kayanja has consistently denied the allegations. In his testimony last year, he attributed the accusations to a long-standing campaign to damage his reputation, allegedly linked to fellow preacher Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga. He also pointed to similar incidents in 2010 and 2013, which he claims resulted in minimal consequences for the perpetrators. Kayanja has called on the court to deliver a judgment that will deter similar false claims in the future.