Pastor Augustine Yiga of Revival Church Kawaala has been remanded to prison by Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court where he appeared and was charged for allegedly doing an act likely to spread coronavirus.
Pastor Yiga on Monday appeared before Grade One Magistrate Timothy Lumunye and denied the charge against him.
Prosecution led by Safina Bireeke claims that Pastor Yiga on March 27, 2020 at Revival Christian Church Kawaala in Rubaga Division before BBS Television, Spark TV, NBS TV and Sanyuka TV cameras said: “There is no Corona virus in Uganda and Africa” knowing or having reason to believe that it is likely to spread COVID-19.
After denying the charges before court, Pastor Yiga, through his lawyer, Wilberforce Kayiwa, tried to apply for bail on grounds that he is diabetic and has to see his doctor regularly. He also told court that he has eight children to look after and that he is a pastor.
However, Bireeke protested his bail application on grounds he did not present any medical documents to back up his claims. Prosecution further observed that Yiga’s sureties (junior pastors) were not substantial enough for him to be released on bail.
“Police needs more time to carry out investigations,” Bireeke added. The Magistrate remanded the pastor to Kitalya prison until April 4.