Four pastors charged in Kayanja case

By Edward Anyoli

FOUR city pastors were yesterday charged with conspiracy to injure the reputation of their colleague, Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre.

Those charged are Moses Solomon Male of Arising for Christ Church; Dr. Martin Sempa of Makerere Community Church; Michael David Kyazze of Omega Healing Centre; Bob Robert Kayira of Omega Healing Centre and Anita Deborah Kyomuhendo, a State House employee.

The accused appeared before Buganda Road Court before Grade One Magistrate John Wekesa, but denied the charges. Court also issued criminal summons for David Mukalazi for failing appear in court to answer to the charge.

They were later granted a cash bail of sh200, 000 each and their sureties were to execute a non-cash bail of sh1m. The pastors were represented by Paul Rutisya, Isaac Walukagga and Edward Akankwasa.

Prosecution, led by Stephen Asaba, alleges that the four pastors, between December 2008 and 2009 at various places within Kampala, conspired to cause injury to the personality, reputation and trade of Pastor Kayanja.

Asaba did not oppose their bail application, but asked court to impose stringent conditions that would compel them to attend court whenever they are required.

The accused, according to prosecution, conspired to injure Kayanja’s reputation when they alleged that he was engaged in homosexual practices.

Pastors Kyazze and Kaiira are facing other charges at Mwanga II Court in which they are accused of entering Kayanja’s premises at Rubaga Miracle Centre with intent to intimidate and insult him. The offence, prosecution added, was committed on April 17, 2009.

Charges against two city advocates, Henry Ddungu and David Kaggwa, who had earlier been accused of conspiring with the pastors, were dropped due to lack of evidence.