Police Surgeon Reports No Medical Evidence of Sodomy in Kayanja Case

A police surgeon, Dr. Phenehance Bwambale, has informed Mwanga II Court that his medical examinations of seven youths did not uncover any physical evidence of sodomy. Dr. Bwambale, testifying as Defence Witness 10 in the defamation case against Pastor Robert Kayanja, stated that the examinations conducted in October 2021 at the Directorate of Police Health Services in Nsambya and Masindi Main Prison yielded normal findings for several individuals.

One of the youths examined, Reagan Ssentongo, alleged he had been sodomised by Pastor Kayanja multiple times since joining Miracle Centre Cathedral in 2017. However, Dr. Bwambale testified that Ssentongo’s physical examination revealed “normal buttocks and anus, with normal sphincters and reflexes,” and no evidence of sodomy was established.

Another complainant, Peter Sserugo, reported pelvic pain. Dr. Bwambale observed a fissure scar and tailbone pain, noting these could stem from various causes including infections or anal penetration. He recommended an X-ray and orthopedic consultation, but could not confirm if these were carried out.

Examinations of other youths, including Habib Khalifa, Moses Tumwine, Martin Kagolo, Simon Tumukunde, and Alex Wakamala, also presented largely normal physical findings. For Wakamala, tailbone pain was noted, but again, with multiple potential causes. Dr. Bwambale clarified that while patient history guides examinations, conclusions must rely on scientific findings and necessary investigations.

During cross-examination, Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya questioned the doctor on details recorded in police forms, such as the alleged use of condoms and the perpetrator’s circumcision status. Dr. Bwambale admitted these details were provided by the complainants and had not been medically verified by him. He acknowledged that hearing similar accounts might influence observations but denied his findings were biased, emphasizing his reliance on scientific evidence.

The case involves nine youths accused of fabricating evidence to falsely implicate Pastor Kayanja in sexual misconduct, along with charges of trespass and providing false information. The defense submitted the seven police medical examination forms as exhibits. The court is set to reconvene on October 1 for Dr. Bwambale’s re-examination.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)