Medical Testimony Takes Center Stage in Kayanja Sodomy Case

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Medical testimony took center stage at the Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court in Mengo during the ongoing trial of nine youths accused of trespassing at Miracle Centre and defaming Pastor Robert Kayanja.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Adams Byarugaba, police medical officer Dr. Phenehas Bwambale detailed his physical and mental evaluations of seven of the accused individuals.

 The examinations were conducted in October 2021 across multiple locations, including Nsambya Police Hospital and Masindi Prison, following a regional referral by Inspector Nandutu.

Key medical findings and testimonies presented to the court include:Sserugo Peter: Dr. Bwambale testified that the 21-year-old alleged being sexually assaulted in 2017 after joining the church in 2016. A physical examination revealed severe pain, anal injuries, and internal scarring. 

The doctor recommended a lower back X-ray.Wakamala Alex: The court heard that the 26-year-old alleged being assaulted approximately 10 times after evening services. Medical reports noted injuries around the anus and a circumcision scar.

 The complainant alleged the assailant was uncircumcised and utilized condoms and lubricants.Ssentongo Peter: The accused reported to the medical officer that he had been sexually assaulted twice on the church premises.

Other Accused Persons: Dr. Bwambale noted that Tumwine Moses, Kagoro Martin, and Tumukunde Simon exhibited no physical injuries around their buttocks. Another accused youth, Labibu Kalifa, declined to undergo a secondary medical examination while in prison.

Dr. Bwambale clarified to the court that while physical trauma and scarring were present in some individuals, such injuries could stem from external or internal trauma—including sexual assault—as well as severe infections or separate medical conditions.

During cross-examination, Government Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya questioned the definitive basis of the medical reports and whether the findings conclusively proved sexual assault.

The Mwanga II Court has adjourned the matter. The hearing of the case is scheduled to resume on October 1, 2026.