Fresh and highly contested allegations emerged before Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court in Mengo after a young man accused of defaming Pastor Robert Kayanja gave detailed testimony about his past interactions with the prominent city preacher.
The witness, Reagan Ssentongo, now aged 21, appeared before court as part of his defense in an ongoing criminal case involving several youths accused of defaming Pastor Kayanja. During his testimony, Ssentongo relied heavily on a forensic report that was prepared following the examination of his mobile phone.
According to court proceedings, the forensic analysis was conducted after Ssentongo informed the court that crucial evidence relating to his defense was stored on his device. The examination was later carried out by police digital forensic experts, and the findings were presented before court.
While giving his account, Ssentongo referred to multiple sections of the forensic report, including call logs, WhatsApp messages, voice notes, photographs, and videos which he claimed documented his interactions with Pastor Kayanja over several years.
One of the key claims raised during the testimony was that communication allegedly existed between him and the pastor from 2019 until 2021. Ssentongo told court that the recovered material showed extensive exchanges during that period.
He further alleged that after becoming close to Pastor Kayanja, he was taken to a farm in Nakasongola where he was allegedly entrusted with responsibilities and given a leadership role. According to his testimony, he was assigned an office and placed in charge of various activities at the facility.
Ssentongo claimed that while at the farm, he was introduced to activities that he initially questioned but was later persuaded to participate in. He told court that he had concerns because homosexuality is prohibited under Ugandan law.
According to his testimony, he allegedly asked whether participating in such activities could expose him to legal trouble. He claimed that he was assured by those around him that he would not face consequences.
The young man further alleged that he became part of a WhatsApp group that included several individuals connected to the church. He claimed that explicit content, including photographs, videos, and conversations, was regularly shared within the group.
He told court that one church aide allegedly served as the administrator of the group before it was eventually deleted. However, he claimed that traces of the communication were later recovered through forensic analysis.
Another major allegation made during the proceedings was that he was assigned responsibilities in the Bunyoro sub-region. Ssentongo claimed that he was tasked with identifying and recruiting boys whom he would allegedly introduce to the pastor.
According to his testimony, he was facilitated with transport and logistical support to carry out those assignments. He claimed that vehicles and drivers were made available whenever he needed to travel.
Ssentongo also referred to portions of the forensic report which he alleged contained messages and photographs he had exchanged with Pastor Kayanja. He told court that some of the material was recovered from his phone despite attempts to delete it.
He further claimed that certain pages of the report contained audio recordings, voice notes, and call logs which investigators were able to extract during the forensic examination process.
According to the witness, some of the calls were allegedly made through a telephone number that he claimed belonged to Pastor Kayanja. He stated that recordings linked to those communications were played before court.
Ssentongo also narrated personal experiences from his childhood and teenage years. He claimed that he faced challenges growing up and that Pastor Kayanja initially presented himself as a father figure who would provide guidance and support.
Among the claims made in court was that he had been promised assistance in obtaining official documents, including a national identification card. He alleged that this support was offered when he was still very young.
The witness further testified that disagreements later emerged between him and the pastor. According to his account, he demanded money and other assistance which he believed had been promised to him, leading to a deterioration in their relationship.
He also told court that he attempted on several occasions to contact church officials regarding the issues he was raising. According to him, some of those efforts were unsuccessful, prompting him to share information and materials with other individuals.
The testimony additionally touched on the events surrounding the arrest of Ssentongo and his co-accused in 2021. He claimed that they were arrested after being called to church premises where security personnel and police officers were present.
The allegations made by Ssentongo remain disputed and are currently part of ongoing court proceedings. The court is expected to continue hearing evidence from both sides before reaching any conclusions. Pastor Robert Kayanja has previously denied allegations made against him, and the case remains before the courts for determination.
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