By Jumah Kakomo
Mwanga II Court, presided over by Magistrate Adams Byarugaba, has rejected video and pictorial evidence presented by defense lawyers in the ongoing case against Pastor Robert Kayanja’s accusers.
The court ruled that a technical expert must first verify the source and authenticity of the digital materials before they can be admitted.
There was also drama as the defense initially sent one lawyer, a new one at that seeking for adjournment but when the prosecution stood its ground that the case must go on, the usual lawyer showed up like they were hiding within the vicinity.
Heated Courtroom Exchange
During today’s session, a sharp verbal exchange broke out between State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya and the defense team.
The defense argued that videos and pictures should be played as the key suspect, Reagan Ssentongo, delivered his testimony.
“Prosecution did put before Court visuals of the accused damaging property at the farm of Pastor Kayanja and also when they attacked Rubaga Miracle center,” defense argued adding that the visuals had not been verified by an expert but this was turned down.
The State raised a prompt objection, contending that Ssentongo is not an expert and cannot verify the technical origins of the media.
“I cannot allow Ssentongo to continue providing information to the court by referring to videos that have not been confirmed by an expert,” Muwaganya submitted.
Defense lawyers Humphrey Tumwesigye, Robert Odhiambo, and Bernard Mugenyi failed to persuade the Magistrate that expert verification was unnecessary. Consequently, Magistrate Byarugaba adjourned the matter to March 13, 2026, for further hearing.
It should be noted that the lawyers defending the suspects were hired by Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga, with evidence including a phone matrix showing that he was the mastermind behind the plot against his fellow Pastor.
Patterns of Delay
This marks the third adjournment this year. Previously, the defense had requested time to retrieve information from Ssentongo’s phone, a request the court granted, yet they returned to court without the required expert report.
The case, which centers on the alleged blackmail of Pastor Robert Kayanja, has now dragged on for over three years.
The Magistrate had previously issued a stern warning against “cat-and-mouse” games that have stalled proceedings.
While Ssentongo has opted to testify under oath, his co-accused; Sserugo, Labib Khalifa, Alex Wakamala, and Martin Kagolo, have not.
Questionable Tactics
The repeated requests for adjournments have raised questions regarding the defense’s strategy.
Observers note that the prosecution’s case remains bolstered by prior testimony, including that of a police doctor.
Before the trial began, it was alleged that Ssenyonga’s bodyguard, Israel Waiswa, and his Personal Assistant, Aggrey Kanene, took the accused men for medical checkups.
The police doctor later testified under oath that the results were negative. Furthermore, the decision by several suspects to testify without swearing an oath has added to the scrutiny surrounding their claims.
Background on the Accused
It is worth noting that in 2022, Reagan Ssentongo and Khalifa Labib were sentenced to six years for aggravated robbery and assault.
The duo, formerly employed at Pastor Kayanja’s farm in Kiryandongo, were convicted of attacking Patrick Turyatemba at his home in April 2020.
They were found in possession of pepper spray used in the attack and are currently seeking bail at the Masindi High Court before Judge Issa Sserunkuuma.
