Pastor Robert Kayanja od Rubaga Miracle Centre Church is facing fresh pressure after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) launched investigations into broadcasts aired on his church-owned Channel 44 TV, over allegations that the station distorted court proceedings and made misleading claims tied to an ongoing criminal case.
In a letter dated 20th April 2026, signed by Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the UCC confirmed it had received a formal complaint from Ojambo & Ojambo Advocates, who represent the nine accused persons in Criminal Case No. KLA-CO-605 of 2023 before the Chief Magistrates Court of Mengo (Mwanga II).
The complainants include Ssentongo Reagan, Serugo Peter, Labeeb Khalifah, Wakamala Alex, Kagolo Martins, Mwandha Jamil, Wasswa Israel and Kanene Aggrey, who are all being charged for defamation against Pastor Kayanja, among other cases.
According to UCC, “the Commission is in receipt of a complaint dated 14th April 2026” alleging that Channel 44 TV broadcasts aired on the evenings of 19th, 20th and 21st March 2026 featured statements by Kayanja himself during a church service which allegedly misrepresented court proceedings.
The complaint further states that the broadcasts “distorted evidence that was given by a forensic expert [Mr. Enock Kanene] in the aforesaid court case,” and that the content was presented in a manner that allegedly misled the public about what transpired in court.
It is further alleged that the broadcasts “misleadingly and with intent to cause public ridicule against the defence lawyers” portrayed court proceedings as having castigated defence counsel for presenting unverified evidence, claims the complainants say are inaccurate and prejudicial.
UCC, citing its mandate under the Uganda Communications Act Cap 103, said it is empowered “to receive, investigate and arbitrate complaints relating to communications services, and take necessary action.”
UCC added that it has now commenced formal investigations into the matter, and directed Channel 44 TV to submit “recordings of content that was broadcast on 19th March 2026, 20th March 2026 and 21st March 2026 consecutively,” alongside written explanations on the contested broadcasts.
The regulator also ordered the station to attend a hearing scheduled for 29th April 2026 at UCC House in Bugolobi, stating that “Channel 44 TV is hereby required to send substantial representative(s) to attend the said hearing, including Pastor Robert Kayanja, who is the alleged presenter of the impugned program.”
At the centre of the complaint is also the allegation that the broadcasts went beyond court commentary, allegedly suggesting that certain individuals were funding media narratives against Kayanja and implicating fellow pastors in orchestrating the case involving his accusers.
UCC warned that failure to comply will not halt proceedings, noting that “failure by Channel 44 TV to submit the required recordings, make representations and attend the scheduled hearing, shall not preclude the Commission from duly investigating this complaint.”
The development places Kayanja’s ministry-linked media platform under formal regulatory scrutiny at a time when the original court case is already highly sensitive. The upcoming hearing is expected to determine whether Channel 44 TV crossed broadcasting standards in its handling of court-related content.
