Pastor Kayanja Coached me on what to say. Witness Reagan Tells court

The trial of nine youths accused of fabricating sodomy allegations against Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre took a dramatic turn at Mwanga II Magistrates Court on Wednesday, as lead suspect Reagan Ssentongo faced intense cross-examination over claims he was coached to testify against the pastor.

Ssentongo, the principal accused in Uganda vs. Reagan Ssentongo & Others, remained on the witness stand as Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya pressed him on inconsistencies in his earlier evidence.

Audio Recording Takes Centre Stage

During cross-examination, the prosecution presented an audio recording it says contradicts Ssentongo's prior testimony and raises fresh questions about the origins of the allegations against Kayanja. According to the state, the recording captures discussions about promises made to Ssentongo and others including travel abroad, housing and financial support allegedly offered in exchange for statements against the pastor.

Responding under cross-examination, Ssentongo claimed he had been coached and instructed to say he had come from the streets, with assurances of donor-funded financial assistance, a return to school and other life-changing support. He testified that he agreed to the arrangement in hope of a better future.

The claims have not been verified by the court and remain subject to further scrutiny.

Defence Rejects Ssenyonga Link

The prosecution also used the recording to argue a connection between Ssentongo and Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga.

 Ssentongo's defence team rejected this, maintaining that he has never met or communicated with Ssenyonga, and arguing that the recording has been taken out of context. The defence further submitted that no credible evidence links Ssenyonga to soliciting, directing or authorising the allegations against Kayanja.

Background

The nine accused face charges of criminal trespass, conspiracy to defeat justice and giving false information to police. The state alleges the sodomy claims were part of a financially motivated smear campaign, and has presented video confessions in which the accused reportedly acknowledge involvement in a street gang, alongside medical reports it says will be tendered as evidence.

Pastor Kayanja has consistently denied the allegations, which echo a similar 2009 case in which a group of pastors and associates were convicted of tarnishing his name.

The state has separately accused some suspects of deliberately delaying their defence.

The case was adjourned to Monday, July 27, 2026.