Drama in Court as Forensic Expert Testifies on Deleted Kayanja Videos

The Mwanga II Magistrates Court on Thursday heard testimony from police digital forensic investigator Enock Kanene, who told court that investigators recovered deleted messages and videos allegedly connected to Pastor Robert Kayanja and one of the accused persons in the ongoing criminal trial.

The session, presided over by Magistrate Adam Byarugaba, began with discussions surrounding accused person Kagolo Martin, who had earlier failed to appear in court. Defense lawyer Hamfrey Tumwesigye explained that his client had been arrested by KCCA enforcement officers during an operation in Kampala, preventing him from attending the previous hearing.

State prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya questioned the explanation, arguing that the accused had previously failed to fully comply with court directives. Despite the concerns raised by the prosecution, the magistrate allowed Kagolo Martin to remain on bail before the hearing continued.

Court later turned its attention to the testimony of Enock Kanene, a police forensic investigator attached to the case. While being cross-examined by defense lawyers, Kanene said investigators examined WhatsApp communications and recovered deleted digital material believed to be relevant to the case.

Kanene told court that some of the videos allegedly came from a phone contact saved as “MZEE,” which investigators linked to Pastor Kayanja, before they were allegedly sent to Reagan Ssentongo, one of the accused persons in the case. He said the videos had later been deleted but were recovered using forensic technology.

The hearing was marked by repeated disagreements between the prosecution and defense teams over the handling and interpretation of the digital evidence. Several objections were raised as lawyers argued over the reliability and admissibility of the recovered material.

Defense lawyer Bernard Mugyenyi questioned Kanene about the authenticity of the evidence and asked how deleted files were allegedly traced and restored. Kanene maintained that investigators used specialized forensic systems capable of recovering deleted content and identifying communication history and sender information.

Court also heard claims about a WhatsApp group allegedly involving three individuals identified as “MZEE,” “ENOCK 2,” and “Fredo.” According to Kanene, the group allegedly contained messages and multimedia content connected to the case.

During the proceedings, Mugyenyi also questioned Kanene about his qualifications and his professional relationship with fellow investigator Hillary Musiime. Kanene responded that both are certified government forensic investigators working under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

At one stage, prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya asked court for permission to re-examine Kanene, arguing that new details had emerged during cross-examination regarding the deleted videos. Defense lawyers objected, insisting that no new evidence had been introduced.

Magistrate Byarugaba later allowed the prosecution to continue questioning the witness.

Kanene further told court that forensic systems can determine whether deleted videos were shared privately or through group platforms, although he said he could not explain why the alleged videos had been deleted.

The case was adjourned to June 3 for further hearing.