Kayanja Trial: Forensic expert confirms explicit content sent on Pastor’s WhatsApp, later deleted

Police digital forensic analyst Enock Kanene told court that the material in question moved in one direction—from Ssentongo’s device to the contact associated with the pastor.

Pastor Robert Kayanja in the dock at Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court in Mengo during a previous court proceeding (Photo/File)

Mengo, Kampala: Fresh courtroom testimony has intensified scrutiny in the ongoing case involving city pastor Robert Kayanja, after a forensic expert detailed the direction of explicit content shared on WhatsApp during proceedings at the Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court.

Police digital forensic analyst Enock Kanene, while under cross-examination by state prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya, maintained that analysis of phone data revealed the transmission of explicit images and videos from Reagan Ssentongo to a contact saved as “Mzee,” a number he linked to Kayanja.

Kanene told court that the material in question moved in one direction, from Ssentongo’s device to the contact associated with the pastor.

He testified that no explicit images or videos were recovered as being sent from the “Mzee” contact.

However, the expert added that forensic indicators showed some data on the recipient’s side had been deleted, leaving gaps in the recovered conversation history.

Deleted Data Raises Questions

According to Kanene, while no explicit content was retrieved from Kayanja’s device, traces of deleted files and messages were identified.

This, he explained, suggests that communication may have been altered prior to forensic extraction, potentially affecting the completeness of the digital evidence presented.

Proceedings turned tense when prosecutor Muwaganya pressed the witness on the origin of the material, questioning whether it could be independently verified.

Kanene responded that some videos were recorded directly on Ssentongo’s phone, while others were obtained from platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Xender.

The line of questioning drew objection from defence lawyers of Ojambo and Ojambo Advocates, who accused the prosecution of intimidation. “You are here to question the witness, not to intimidate him,” defence counsel argued.

Presiding magistrate Adams Byarugaba intervened, directing the prosecutor to maintain a calm and professional tone.

Despite the exchanges, Kanene stood by his findings, stating they were based strictly on forensic analysis of the device and available data.

The case was adjourned to May 14, 2026, when the defence is expected to re-examine the expert witness before proceedings continue.