By Ephraim Kasozi & Anthony Wesaka
Daily Monitor
October 28, 2009
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/Pastors_charged_with_trespass_93696.shtml
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| Pastors Michael Kyazze, Bob Kayiira and a detective in a police car as they headed to Mwanga II Court where they were charged with criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit felony yesterday. Photo by Andrew Bagala |
Two Pentecostal pastors who allegedly entered Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral with intent to insult and or injure its leader, Pastor Robert Kayanja, were yesterday arraigned before Mwanga II Magistrates Court amid drama.
Pastors Bob Robert Kayiira of Omega Healing Centre and Michael David Kyazze of Omega International Ministry pleaded not guilty to criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour before Grade One Magistrate Janeve Natukunda.
Ms Natukunda released the two pastors on court bond of Shs500,000 (not cash) and adjourned the case to December 3.
Prosecution alleges that on April 17, Pastor Kayiira at Rubaga Miracle Centre, entered into or upon a worship place with intent to intimidate, insult or annoy Pastor Kayanja.
The State also alleges that in March and April, pastors Kyazze and Kayiira conspired together to commit a misdemeanour with intent to cause injury to the reputation of Pastor Kayanja.
Pastor Kayanja came under the spotlight early this year when his fellow pastors accused him of hiring youth members of his church for homosexuality; allegations he denied. A Police investigation also found no evidence against the pastor.
Drama at court
Meanwhile, Mwanga II Court was treated to drama when a group of youths carried placards demonstrating against the court move. The group held placards reading “This battle is against homosexuality” and “Uganda will know the truth!”
The suspects first appeared before Grade Two Magistrate Wilson Wandera who disqualified himself from the case saying he did not have powers to hear their plea on the count of conspiracy.
He referred the file to the station in charge, Ms Natukunda who ordered journalists to step out of her chambers before hearing the plea at 5pm.
Ms Natukunda’s decision prompted arguments between court orderlies and the pastors’ sympathisers led by Pastors Martin Ssempa and Solomon Male.
The latter said journalists who were disregarding the court directive were “from Rubaga Miracle Centre”.
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