Forensic Investigator Tells Court Deleted WhatsApp Chats and Videos Were Retrieved in Kayanja Case

The Mwanga II Magistrates Court on Thursday heard claims from police digital forensic investigator Enock Kanene that investigators recovered deleted messages and videos from an alleged WhatsApp group connected to the ongoing criminal case involving Pastor Robert Kayanja and several accused persons.

Kanene, while testifying before Magistrate Adam Byarugaba, told court that the alleged group involved individuals identified as “MZEE,” “ENOCK 2,” and “Fredo.” He said investigators retrieved conversations and multimedia files believed to be relevant to the case using digital forensic technology.

According to the investigator, some of the recovered videos had allegedly been deleted before they were restored through forensic examination. He further told court that investigators were able to trace communication history and identify how the files were shared.

The testimony triggered heated exchanges between the prosecution and defense teams, with lawyers disputing the credibility and interpretation of the digital evidence presented in court.

Defense lawyer Bernard Mugyenyi questioned the authenticity of the recovered material and challenged Kanene on how investigators confirmed ownership and operation of the WhatsApp accounts linked to the alleged group.

Kanene defended the forensic process, maintaining that investigators used certified digital forensic systems capable of recovering deleted content and analyzing communication records.

Court also heard that some of the alleged videos connected to the case were shared through contacts linked to the WhatsApp conversations before later being deleted.

Earlier in the session, the court addressed concerns surrounding accused person Kagolo Martin, who had previously 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 earlier hearing.

State prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya challenged the explanation, arguing that the accused had not fully complied with previous court directives. However, Magistrate Byarugaba allowed Kagolo Martin to remain on bail.

The case was adjourned to June 3 for further hearing.