A man who describes himself as a bishop and is also a university student has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being accused of sodomising his barber during the Christmas holidays in Kampala.
Rauben Turyasingura, a student at Cavendish University Uganda and leader at Serenity Foundation Ministries, was committed to the High Court for trial by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.
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The ruling was delivered by Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa after the prosecution confirmed that investigations into the case had been completed.
Barber, 21, Accuses Bishop
According to a summary of evidence prepared by Chief State Attorney Joan Keko, the alleged victim is a 21-year-old barber living in Kikulu Zone in Kawempe Division, Kampala. His identity has been withheld to protect him from further trauma.
Prosecution alleges that the incident occurred during the Christmas holiday period, when the accused allegedly sodomised the young barber.
Following the submission of committal papers, the magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to the High Court.
Turyasingura was subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison where he will remain until the High Court hears and determines the case.
What Ugandan Law Says
Under Ugandan law, sodomy falls under the offence of “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” provided for under the Penal Code Act.
The law criminalises sexual acts considered to be against the order of nature, including anal sex between individuals.
If convicted, the offence can attract a sentence of up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances of the case and the evidence presented in court.
Because of the seriousness of the charge, such cases are tried only by the High Court, which has the jurisdiction to hear and determine offences carrying heavy penalties.
Awaiting High Court Trial
The magistrate’s court does not try capital or serious offences but only confirms whether the prosecution has gathered enough evidence to justify a full trial.
With committal now completed, the case will be forwarded to the High Court, where the accused will either plead guilty or not guilty before a judge when the trial begins.