High Court Upholds Media Ban in Pastor Kayanja Defamation Case

The High Court in Kampala has upheld a lower court’s decision to ban live media coverage in the ongoing defamation trial involving nine youths accused of maligning Arch Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice David Matovu dismissed an application filed by two of the accused — Alex Wakamala and Jamilu Mwandha — who had sought to overturn the media gag imposed on April 5, 2024, by Mwanga II Grade One Magistrate Byarugaba Adams.

The controversial order barred audio and video recording of the proceedings, though accredited journalists were permitted to attend and publish written reports.

The two applicants argued that the restrictions amounted to a media gag and unfairly influenced public perception against them.

However, the prosecution, led by Jonathan Muwaganya, defended the media blackout, citing previous instances of manipulated content being circulated on social media, which risked compromising the integrity of the trial.

“The applicants are interested in vulgarizing the proceedings,” Muwaganya told the court.

Justice Matovu sided with the prosecution, emphasizing that the trial magistrate had acted in good faith to protect witnesses and ensure orderly proceedings.

“Court cannot permit such a state of anarchy as it would prejudice the five witnesses who testified under the order,” the judge ruled.

He also faulted the applicants for a 10-month delay in filing their application and criticized their legal counsel for failing to review the full court record prior to lodging the challenge.

“Had counsel perused the proceedings, he would have advised the applicants appropriately,” Matovu observed.

The court affirmed that while live broadcasts remain prohibited, verified journalists are still allowed to attend the hearings and report in writing. The restrictions, the judge said, are essential for “effective case management.”

The matter is expected to resume on Friday this week with the continuation of the defence hearing under the current restrictions.