Witnesses Ssentongo Alleges Kayanja Funded Recruitment of Boys in Contested Court Testimony

KAMPALA, August 10, 2026 — The trial involving Pastor Robert Kayanja and nine young men took another dramatic turn on Monday after accused person Reagan Ssentongo made fresh allegations about an alleged recruitment network, claiming he was given money to attract young men from entertainment venues.

Ssentongo, who is among the accused persons facing charges related to allegedly giving false information to police and trespassing at Miracle Centre Cathedral in Lubaga, made the claims while concluding his testimony before Mwanga II Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba in Mengo.

According to Ssentongo, he was allegedly given money to identify and attract young men from clubs and bring them to the church, which he described in court as part of what he called a “sodomy project.”

He alleged that some of the young men were recruited from popular entertainment spots in Kampala.

Ssentongo further claimed that he was later taken to a farm in Masindi, where he said he was told he would be trained to operate as an alleged “sodomy agent” for the Bunyoro region.

He claimed he was introduced to Pastor Robert Kibuuka, also known as Pastor Rwomushana, whom he said was expected to oversee or assist with activities in the region.

«“We used to receive payment from Pastor Kayanja as security officers and as sodomy agents,” Ssentongo alleged during his testimony.»

The claims remain allegations made by an accused person in court and have not been established as facts. Pastor Kayanja's position and the prosecution's evidence remain subject to the ongoing proceedings.

Money and alleged relationship:

Ssentongo's latest claims come against the background of earlier testimony in which he alleged that he had an intimate relationship with Pastor Kayanja.

He told court that the relationship was similar to that of a husband and wife and claimed that the two referred to each other as “bagalana.”

Ssentongo also linked his allegations to a financial dispute, telling court that Kayanja allegedly promised him Shs1 million monthly after he was taken to work at a farm in Kiryandongo, together with another Shs500,000 in weekly facilitation.

He said he subsequently sent several messages seeking payment and financial assistance for basic needs.

Ssentongo maintained that he continued to regard himself as an employee because he had never received a formal letter terminating his employment.

Alleged recruitment of new entrants:

During Monday's proceedings, Ssentongo claimed that he was not simply a recipient of money but was allegedly expected to help identify new recruits.

He told court that he went to clubs in search of young men and that money was allegedly provided for the activity.

He also claimed that the activities were coordinated from the church.

Ssentongo further alleged that he was taken to the Masindi-based farm and told that he would undergo training for activities in the Bunyoro region.

The prosecution has previously challenged Ssentongo's account and relied on digital messages, recordings and other evidence in seeking to test his credibility.

Claims of being coached:

Ssentongo also reiterated his earlier claim that he had been coached to provide false information.

He alleged that he was promised money, education and a better life, including assistance from sponsors abroad.

He admitted participating in a video containing information he now says was false, arguing that he expected to benefit from the promises allegedly made to him.

The prosecution disputes his account, leaving the court to assess the credibility and weight of the competing evidence.

Nine accused persons:

The case involves nine accused persons: Peter Serugo, Reagan Ssentongo, Moses Tumwine, Khalifa Labeeb, Alex Wakamala, Martins Kagolo, Israel Wasswa, Jamil Mwanda and Aggrey Kinene.

They face charges connected to allegations that false information was given to police and that the accused trespassed on the premises of Miracle Centre Cathedral.

Court adjourns hearing:

The prosecution has been led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, while the accused persons are represented by their respective defence lawyers.

The proceedings also involved evidence from Dr Phenehas Bwambale, whose qualifications to testify on certain matters were challenged during the hearing.

Magistrate Byarugaba adjourned the case to August 24, 2026, when proceedings are expected to resume.

The court will ultimately have to weigh Ssentongo's allegations against the prosecution's documentary, digital and witness evidence before reaching its determination in the case.