A 24-year-old Labib Khalifa standing trial alongside eight others for allegedly defaming Pastor Robert Kayanja, gave an unsworn testimony on Friday at Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court.
Before Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba, Khalifa narrated how his association with the city pastor began, evolved into a troubling personal ordeal, and eventually turned into a financial dispute.
Khalifa revealed that he has spent four years in custody facing serious charges, including conspiracy to defeat justice, criminal trespass at Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, and giving false information to the police.
The story Khalifa told began during a school holiday in 2017, when he met a man named Joshua outside Capital Shoppers supermarket in Bugolobi, who invited him to join youth activities at Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral.
After attending several sessions, Khalifa was introduced to Pastor Robert Kayanja. He described how the pastor started gifting him cash in both Ugandan shillings and U.S. dollars, gifts which continued for some time.
Khalifa further alleged that after one night service, he was called to Pastor Kayanja’s office, where he was asked to switch off his phone and remove his shirt. According to Khalifa, the pastor then showed him adult videos, touched him inappropriately, and forcibly sodomized him.
He also recounted another incident involving Pastor Kayanja and an unnamed white missionary visitor, during which he was again sodomized and subsequently given USD 2,000 and UGX 5 million.
The relationship took a downturn when the pastor allegedly stopped providing money despite repeated promises. Khalifa claimed that during their encounters, Kayanja would pay him up to UGX 5 million each time.
In 2019, Khalifa demanded UGX 340 million as compensation for security work, labor on Kayanja’s farm in Kiryandongo, and for the so-called “agreement” to engage in the abusive acts.
However, he said the amount was later negotiated down to UGX 162 million after deductions were made for rent, medical expenses, and meals he had received over 40 months.
The ongoing trial is subject to restricted media access following a High Court ruling that upheld Magistrate Byarugaba’s earlier decision to ban live coverage.
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya informed the court this move responded to concerns about bloggers misrepresenting court proceedings to the public.
Magistrate Byarugaba emphasized the seriousness of the charges and urged that the judicial process proceed fairly and in accordance with due process, adjourned the hearing to August 28, with further hearings planned for September 2025.
