In 2009, ROBERT MUSASIZI aka Samson Mukisa alleged that Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre cathedral, Lubaga, had sodomised him.
Kayanja went to court alleging Musasizi was being used by a group of pastors including Michael Kyazze, Solomon Male and Martin Ssempa to tarnish his name. Court later cleared Kayanja of the sodomy charges and the matter was put to rest.
However, on December 2 as the 77 Days Of Glory prayer marathon concluded at Miracle Centre cathedral (a second phase has since begun), Musasizi shocked many when he walked to the podium during the night service and apologized to Kayanja for having made the allegations. He begged for Kayanja’s forgiveness, as a visibly-shocked Kayanja and his family wept.
That night, Kayanja for the first time talked publicly about the ordeal. He told more than 10,000 worshippers packing the cathedral, thousands more in tents outside and millions watching on his Channel 44 TV about the damage the homosexuality accusation brought him, his ministry and family.
He told of the countless police statements, struggling to discuss the case with his then young children and the most humiliating: a physical exam he endured during investigations.
However, he forgave Musasizi during that service. On December 9 at the church, in the company of his mother, Olivia Nansubuga, Musasizi told journalists why he made the dramatic U-turn.
Why did you all of a sudden apologize to Kayanja?
There was a heavy burden I wanted to unload off my chest. Some years ago I alleged that Pastor Kayanja had sodomised me, something which was not true. The truth is that he has never sodomised me. I now feel at peace.
So, how did the entire sodomy allegations come up in the first place?
It was 2008 when I went to Pastor Michael Kyazze’s church (Omega Healing Centre). I had gone to pray but I found that the church was under construction and I decided to seek a job of a porter.
But later I was told that before I am given the job, there was something bigger they wanted me to do: that I had to first accuse Kayanja of sodomy in exchange for many things.
What were you promised?
They promised to take me out of the country, to Sweden, and to change my way of living by giving me money.
How much money?
I do not remember because it is a long time now. But I remember they used to give me some little money like Shs 15,000 for maintenance.
Which specific pastor made these promises?
Pastor Felix Ssemujju (of Omega Healing Centre) made these promises. He took me to pastors Michael Kyazze, Solomon Male and Martin Ssempa. When I accepted [to accuse Kayanja of sodomy], I was taken to Pastor Male’s office where I swore an affidavit to the effect that Pastor Kayanja had sodomised me.
Why have you come out now?
I have come out now because my mother convinced me to apologize to Kayanja. After the court proceedings, so many issues came out and we did not have time. Now I have the time. My mother can add something.
Nansubuga (Musasizi’s mother): Lubaga Miracle Centre has been celebrating 77 Days of Glory. So, recently I was at home watching Pastor Kayanja’s TV and something told me that my son needs to apologize to him because what he accused him of was not true. I felt this was the time to repent and tell the truth. I called my son and I told him that we go to Kayanja’s church.
How did Pastor Kayanja react to your apology?
Musasizi: Pastor Kayanja told me he had forgiven me, but I know that my allegations hurt him and his family.
Nansubuga, how did you treat your son’s allegations of Kayanja?
I did not agree with him. They told him to tell court I had died, yet I was alive. I knew that if he continued making these allegations, his life would be in jeopardy. So, I kept praying for him. The good thing is that later the court found Kayanja innocent and I am happy that my son is now settled.
Ever since you apologized to Kayanja, how has the other side taken it?
Some people have been posting on my Facebook page criticizing my decision to apologize. Others have been appreciative.
There have been reports that Kayanja gave you and your mother money to make this U-turn.
That is not true. No one has given me any money to confess.
Maybe they have promised other things.
No, like I have said, I apologized out of my own will.
At the moment, where do you get the money to survive?
I am still a student. I am not working and it is my mother who takes care of me.
Last word.
I warn the youths to be very careful. There are so many temptations because as a person, you sometimes need money. But you may end up in the wrong hands.
Transcribed by Edris Kiggundu.
