Kampala’s Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has committed a 45-year-old Pentecostal pastor to the High Court for trial on a charge of homosexuality after he allegedly ‘raped’ his 21-year-old male barber.

Bishop Reuben Turyasingura of Serenity Foundation Ministries and a student at Cavendish University Uganda, was Tuesday committed for trial at the next convenient criminal session of the High Court.

The Chief State Attorney, Joan Keko, told the court that although the case could be handled by a magistrate’s court, the Director of Public Prosecutions had discretion under the law to refer it to the High Court.

“Even if the matter can be handled by the High Court, Section 169 of the MCA gives the DPP discretion to refer the matter to the High Court for trial…The crime is rampant, and the case can be handled by the High Court,” Ms Keko said.
Accordingly, the Chief Magistrate Ritah Neube committed Turyasingura for trial before the High Court.

Prosecution identified the alleged victim as a 21-year-old barber and resident of Kikulu Zone in Kawempe Division, Kampala.

Prosecution states that the victim met the accused while working at a salon in the same area where Turyasingura used to visit as a customer for services, including massage, scrubbing, and shaving.

“Following the accused’s consistency at the salon, he became friends with the victim and later convinced him to provide salon services from the accused’s place of residence in Kikulu Zone,” the prosecution summary states.
The victim allegedly agreed because he was paid more for the services compared to the salon rates.

Court documents indicate that on December 28, 2025, the accused allegedly informed the victim that he was travelling from his village in Rukiga District and requested him to escort him to his residence upon arrival.
The prosecution contends that the victim met Turyasingura at Kitaka Stage in Kawempe Division around midnight and the two proceeded to the accused’s residence, where they reportedly found a shamba boy identified as Brian Mwesigwa.

According to the prosecution, the two went to the bedroom where tea was served to them.

It is alleged that the accused then asked the victim to become his sexual partner and promised to give him Shs20 million, an offer the victim declined.
The prosecution claims that after the refusal, the accused forcefully grabbed the victim and performed a sexual act with him.

The victim did not immediately raise an alarm, reportedly fearing embarrassment because he was known in the area. He also allegedly tried to leave the room, but the door had been locked.

According to the prosecution, the victim later managed to leave the residence when Mwesigwa opened the door while going to clean the house.

Court documents state that the victim was distressed and did not report to work the following day, prompting his friend Baker Asiimwe to check on him.


The victim allegedly narrated the incident to Baker, after which they reported the matter to the Kikaya Police Station. The case was later transferred to Kira Road Police Station for further investigations.

The prosecution states that a medical report, PF3A, indicated the victim had waist and back pain as well as bruises and lacerations inside the anus.
Investigators also reportedly visited the scene of the crime and recovered several items, including a bottle of olive oil containing yellow liquid, a blue towel with white stripes, and mobile phones.

Among the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on during the trial are search and exhibit certificates dated December 30 and December 31, 2025, respectively.

The prosecution further states that the accused was medically examined and found to be a 45-year-old adult of sound mind who is HIV positive.

Turyasingura is facing a charge of homosexuality contrary to Sections 2(1) and (2) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Prosecution says it will rely on several exhibits during trial, including medical examination reports of both the victim and the accused, a search certificate, a sketch plan of the scene of the crime, and an exhibit slip.

“Whereupon, prosecution shall contend that the accused person had no lawful excuse for his actions and pray that he is convicted as indicted,” the prosecution summary states.