Kawempe Self-Styled Bishop Sent to High Court Over Barber Sodomy Allegations

A self-proclaimed bishop from Kawempe, Rauben Turyasingura of Serenity Foundation Ministries, faces serious charges in the High Court. He is accused of sodomizing a 21-year-old barber from Kikulu Zone in Kawempe division, Kampala.

Buganda Road chief magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa committed Turyasingura to the High Court after prosecutors, led by chief state attorney Joan Keko, submitted committal papers confirming the end of investigations.

The barber, whose identity is protected, initially met Turyasingura as a client at his salon for services like massages, scrubbing, and shaving. The pastor, also a student at Cavendish University Uganda, convinced the victim to provide services at his nearby home, offering higher payments.

On December 28, 2025, Turyasingura asked the barber to meet him late at night at Kitaka Stage in Kawempe after returning from Rukiga district. They went to the pastor’s residence, joined briefly by a shamba boy named Brian Mwesigwa, who served tea.

Prosecutors allege that once alone, Turyasingura proposed a sexual relationship, promising Shs 20 million, but upon refusal, he forcefully assaulted the victim anally. The door was locked, preventing escape, and the victim stayed silent due to shame in the community.

The victim escaped when Mwesigwa opened the door later. Distraught, he skipped work, leading friend Asiimwe Baker to check on him. They reported to Kikaya police station, with the case moving to Kira Road Police Station.

Medical exams revealed waist pain, backache, anal bruises, and lacerations. Police recovered evidence including a 200ml olive oil bottle with yellow liquid, a blue towel, and phones. Turyasingura, denying the homosexuality charge, is remanded at Luzira Prison awaiting a High Court hearing date.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)