Court threatens to close Sodomy case Against Pastors

Buganda Road Magistrates Court, has threatened to close the prosecution case against thre city  pastors accused of conspiracy, if  the state fails to produce more witnesses by the next court session.

The hearing of the case by Grade One Magistrate, John Patrick Wekesa, was on Friday halted after the state represented by Stephen Asaba to request for an adjournment. Asaba told court that he needed time to locate and produce Ivan Kansiime, a witness and also a complainant in the case.

Eleven witnesses have so far testified in support of the prosecution case against Pastors Solomon Male, Martin Sempa, Michael Kyazze, and Robert Kayiira. The pastors are  jointly charged with State House employee, Dorothy Kyomuhendo, and local musician, David Mukalazi.

Prosecution alleges that in 2008 at various places within Kampala district, the pastors conspired to cause injury to the personality and reputation of Pastor Kayanja, claiming that was engaged in homosexuality whereas not.

A visibly angry Magistrate expressed disappointment at the prosecution for failing to bring a witness in court. The accused represented by Edward Akankwasa, Paul Rutisya, Kaggwa Sekabanja, and Isaac Walukagga also expressed their disappointment at the way the state is handling the case. They noted that they had come prepared to proceed with the matter.

Wekesa ordered that the state brings other witnesses on Friday next week. He warned that if not witness is produced on Friday, he will  force prosecution to submit closing remarks on the matter.

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