Mwanga II Magistrates Court in Mengo has banned journalists from using video and audio equipment in the case pitting Pastor Robert Kayanja against Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga.
The ban by magistrate Adams Byarugaba follows an application by the state Antony Jonathan Muwaganya that some individuals and groups of people are filming video clips which they share on social media to fulfil their objectives.
Muwaganya said these people are seeking to influence the outcome of the case, calling for the ban of video and audio equipment in the court
He also proposed that for the good of justice and fairness, media should be restricted to taking videos since they have been covering the case.
But the magistrate ordered that there will be no more use of video cameras, audio recording gadgets, use of phones because some journalists have been using them for selfish aims.
However, the defence lawyers headed by Amfry Tumwesigye did not agree with the blanket ban proposing for strict measures to regulate the media instead.
Byarugaba warned that the court has the power to punish any person who will contravene the order. He said the media personnel will only be allowed to use notebooks to cover the proceedings of the court.
In 2021, Pastor Kayanja opened a case against Pastor Ssenyonga and others accusing them of criminal trespass and defamation with intent to harm and destroy his person and church.
Some of the accused are former workers of Pastor Kayanja who used to work on his farm in Kiryandongo. Several witnesses have appeared before court to testify in the case.
