FIRST READ:
Pastor Robert Kayanja's “Image” and the Arrest of Pastor Solomon Male
http://www.yesumulungi.com/index.php/commentaries/443-pastor-robert-kayanjas-image-and-the-arrest-of-pastor-solomon-male.html
Lawyers demand Kayanja’s testimony
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/755736
Wednesday, 25th May, 2011
Bt Adante Okanya
LAWYERS representing the six people accused of tarnishing Pastor Robert Kayanja’s reputation yesterday demanded that court summons him to testify to help speed up the trial.
The lawyers on the defence team were Paul Rutisya, Kato Ssekabanja, Francis Gimara, Edward Akankwasa and Isaac Walukagga.
The state prosecutor, Stephen Asaba, said Kayanja was on the list of over 10 witnesses whom prosecution intended to summon.
“Defense has no right to direct us. They need not worry. Kayanja will come and testify,” Asaba said.
The accused are pastors Solomon Male of Arising for Christ Ministries, Martin Sempa of Makerere Community Church, plus Michael Kyazze and Robert Kayiira of Omega Healing Centre. Others are State House employee Dorothy Kyomuhendo and local musician David Mukalazi.
Yesterday, the trial resumed at the Buganda Road Court before Grade One Magistrate Patrick Wekesa. The lawyers want Kayanja to explain the circumstances under which his reputation was injured.
Prosecution alleges that in 2008, the accused “conspired to cause injury to the personality and reputation” of Pastor Kayanja by saying he participates in homosexuality.
Walukagga argued that summoning Kayanja would save court’s time since he is the main complainant. “Why is prosecution fishing for witnesses who are not the complainant? The complainant needs to testify. We want the big fish,” he said.
Wekesa said he could not issue summons for Kayanja because the “case belongs to the prosecution” and that if he did, he would be perceived as biased.
