Court has issued an arrest warrant for Moses Tumwine, one of the suspects in a case involving false sodomy allegations against Pastor Robert Kayanja.
Tumwine failed to appear in court despite repeated reminders, leading Magistrate Adams Byarugaba to authorize the warrant.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya told the court that Tumwine had intentionally evaded the proceedings, even after efforts by his co-accused and legal team to reach him.
Magistrate Byarugaba at Mwanga II Magistrates stated that the court would not allow its resources to be misused, noting the defense hearing had been delayed since November last year.
“Tumwine has deliberately absconded. A warrant of arrest is issued, and his sureties will also be summoned. If he cannot be found, the trial will proceed in his absence.” Magistrate said.
Tumwine and eight others are accused of trespassing on Pastor Robert Kayanja’s property and falsely accusing him of sodomy.
The incident allegedly occurred on September 17, 2021, when the group reportedly stormed Lubaga Miracle Cathedral, shouted profanities, and tried to provoke the pastor. Medical reports later dismissed the sodomy allegations.
The co-accused are Peter Serugo (21), Reagan Ssentongo (21), Khalifah Labeeb (22), Alex Wakamala (22), Martins Kagolo (22), Israel Wasswa (25), Jamil Mwanda (22), and Aggrey Kinene (21). Three remain in custody, while the rest are out on bail.
The defense hearing is scheduled to resume on May 5.
