Kampala, Uganda: The High Court in Kampala has upheld a media ban imposed by the lower court on live audio and video coverage in the ongoing high-profile defamation case involving Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral.
In a ruling delivered today, Tuesday, July 15, Justice David Matovu dismissed an application filed by two of the accused, Alex Wakamala and Jamilu Mwandha, who had sought to overturn the ban. The duo had argued that the order was unjustly gagging the media and painting them in a negative light before the public.
The restriction was originally issued on April 5, 2024, by Mwanga II Grade One Magistrate Byarugaba Adams, who barred all media houses from live-streaming, recording, or broadcasting proceedings during the trial where nine youths are accused of defaming Pastor Kayanja.
Through State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, the prosecution defended the restriction, arguing that it was necessary to protect the integrity of the trial amid concerns about distorted and manipulated content on social media platforms during earlier stages of the case.
“The applicants are interested in vulgarizing the proceedings,” Muwaganya submitted, urging court to maintain the ban.
Justice Matovu agreed with the prosecution and emphasized that the trial magistrate acted within the law and in good faith. “Court cannot permit such a state of anarchy as it would prejudice the five witnesses who testified under the order,” he ruled.
The Judge further criticized the applicants for filing the application nearly 10 months late and faulted their legal counsel for not properly reviewing court records before advising his clients. “Had counsel perused the proceedings, he would have advised the applicants appropriately.”
Justice Matovu clarified that while live broadcasts remain banned, verified journalists are still permitted to attend and report in writing on the proceedings.
“The orders were necessary for effective case management,” the judge ruled, dismissing the application and directing the defence hearing to proceed under the existing restrictions.
The next phase of the hearing is scheduled for Friday this week.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
