Bishop David Kiganda, the founder of Christianity Focus Centre and Kingdom Broadcasting Services, has formally petitioned the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) over what he describes as defamatory and misleading broadcasts aired on Channel 44 TV.
According to a complaint filed through M/S Sekabanja & Co. Advocates, Bishop Kiganda is seeking regulatory intervention against Pastor Robert Kayanja, Channel 44 TV, and media personality Asiimwe Harriet of Pacho Pacho Media over statements allegedly made during a televised program.
It should be remembered that on February 23, 2024, during a Friday night service at Miracle Centre Cathedral, Pastor Robert Kayanja displayed what became known as the “Matrix,” in which he accused Bishop David Kiganda, Pastor Martin Ssempa, and Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga of allegedly plotting against him through his former employees from his farm in Kiryandongo.
The former employees later appeared at the church and staged protests, claiming that they had been sodomized and were not paid for their work. Pastor Kayanja alleged that the protest was part of a coordinated campaign orchestrated by the three religious leaders.
It should also be noted that the matter is currently before the Mwanga II Magistrates Court. Just a month ago, a police forensic expert presented a forensic report in court which allegedly linked Pastor Kayanja and some of the complainants through digital evidence. According to the report, inappropriate messages, pornographic content, and videos allegedly depicting acts of sodomy were shared between the boys and the pastor.
The findings presented in court form part of the ongoing legal proceedings, and the court is yet to make a final determination on the matter.
The complaint alleges that false, malicious, and unsubstantiated claims were broadcast against Bishop Kiganda, causing reputational damage to both him and the institutions he leads.
According to the documents submitted to UCC, the disputed broadcast allegedly linked Bishop Kiganda to incidents involving workers and livestock associated with Pastor Robert Kayanja’s farm. The complaint argues that the claims were presented as factual without supporting evidence and were intended to tarnish the bishop’s reputation.
The legal team representing Bishop Kiganda further alleges that Channel 44 TV aired content originating from Kingdom Broadcasting Services without authorization and later labeled the content as “Fake News,” an action they contend was misleading and professionally unethical.
In the complaint, the lawyers cite provisions of the Uganda Communications Act and the Press and Journalist Act, arguing that the broadcasts may have violated professional standards governing accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism.
The petition calls on the Uganda Communications Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the broadcasts, establish whether the allegations aired were supported by credible evidence, and determine whether any regulatory breaches occurred.
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The complaint also requests that appropriate action be taken against those found to have violated broadcasting and media regulations.
As of the time of publication, neither Pastor Robert Kayanja, Channel 44 TV, nor Asiimwe Harriet had publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the complaint. Their responses and positions on the matter are expected to form an important part of any investigation undertaken by the regulator.
The Uganda Communications Commission is expected to review the complaint and determine the next course of action in accordance with the country’s communications and broadcasting laws.
ALSO READ: Kingdom TV Responds to Pastor Kayanja’s Fake News Claims.
