Tense scenes played out at Mwanga II Magistrates Court as the prosecution laid out what it described as a calculated conspiracy to frame Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral in a false sodomy scandal.
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya led a dramatic cross-examination of Alex Wakamala, one of nine youths accused of fabricating evidence and spreading false claims against the prominent Pentecostal preacher.
The courtroom fell silent as Wakamala admitted during cross-examination that he personally composed text messages on a mobile phone allegedly used to implicate Pastor Kayanja. The confession came after Muwaganya challenged inconsistencies in Wakamala’s account regarding the device, including his failure to produce a receipt for a replacement phone he claimed to have purchased at Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza.
"The phone was merely planted in your hands to create false evidence," Muwaganya asserted, suggesting the messages were premeditated elements of a broader scheme.
The prosecution presented further allegations that the phone in question also contained audio and video recordings intended to support the false claims. Wakamala, while admitting to inputting text messages, said he did not know how the incriminating recordings ended up on the device.
Muwaganya then exposed what he termed a wider conspiracy. He told court that Wakamala and other accused individuals had participated in "coaching sessions" organized by fellow suspects Isreal Wasswa, Aggrey Kanene, and Mwandah Jamilu. These sessions, according to the prosecution, were allegedly held under the guidance of another Kampala-based pastor, Jackson Ssenyonga.
The court heard that during these meetings, the youths were promised financial rewards, housing, travel opportunities, and security in exchange for testimony against Pastor Kayanja.
Audio recordings of the alleged planning sessions were played in court. In the clips, voices were heard expressing dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises, with some individuals lamenting that their reputations and lives had been irreparably damaged by the ordeal.
The prosecution further alleged that Wakamala and his associates produced counterfeit audio clips in which Kayanja’s voice was mimicked.
One such clip reportedly circulated widely on TikTok. When questioned about the recording, Wakamala distanced himself, saying he was unaware of who uploaded it.
However, Muwaganya rebutted that the same audio had previously been submitted to court by Wakamala’s own legal team.
Adding to the courtroom drama, a photograph of alleged co-conspirator Pantalewo John was displayed. Wakamala acknowledged recognizing him but commented, “He has now gained weight.” The prosecution claims Pantalewo played a central role in creating the fake audio recordings.
The accused individuals are currently facing multiple charges, including fabrication of evidence, trespassing on church property at Rubaga Miracle Centre, and providing false information to police.
Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba adjourned the proceedings, with the court set to continue hearing what has now emerged as a case entangled in allegations of manipulation, deceit, and reputational damage.
The unfolding trial is expected to draw increased public attention as the state seeks to establish the full extent of the alleged plot and those behind it.