Nine youths have been ordered by Mwanga II Magistrates Court to defend themselves against charges of falsely accusing Pastor Robert Kayanja of sodomy. The accused are Peter Serugo, Reagan Ssentongo, Moses Tumwine, Khalifa Labeeb, Alex Wakamala, Martins Kagolo, Israel Wasswa, Jamil Mwanda, and Aggrey Kinene.

Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba ruled on Friday that sufficient evidence had been presented by the prosecution to establish a case against the suspects. Evidence included audio recordings, phone records, and medical reports, with testimony from 13 witnesses.

The prosecution argued that the youths, who worked at Rubaga Miracle Centre, allegedly conspired to fabricate claims of sodomy against Pastor Kayanja in a bid to extort money. They were accused of storming Rubaga Miracle Cathedral on September 17, 2021, and shouting offensive remarks intended to provoke and embarrass the pastor.

Medical examinations conducted at Mulago Hospital and Nsambya Health Centre revealed no physical evidence to support their claims. Prosecutors also alleged that the group intentionally misled police by providing false statements, leading investigators to pursue baseless allegations.

Defense lawyers, led by Humphrey Tumwesigye, contested the claims, asserting that no evidence proved the accused acted collectively. However, Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya countered that conspiracy can be inferred through circumstantial evidence, which the court agreed with.

Three of the accused remain in custody, while the others are out on bail. The court will reconvene on January 24, 2025, for the defense to respond.

In his testimony earlier this year, Pastor Kayanja denied the accusations, describing them as part of a long-standing campaign to tarnish his reputation. He linked one of the suspects, Israel Wasswa, to another religious leader and rival, Pastor Ssenyonga.

The pastor also recalled previous false accusations in 2010 and 2013, where the accusers were convicted but received light sentences. He urged the court to impose harsher penalties on the current suspects to deter future attempts at defamation and extortion.

The accused face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defeat justice, criminal trespass, and providing false information to police. Investigations are ongoing into other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged scheme.