Court has released on bail the Revival Church Senior Pastor Augustine Yiga, accused of doing an act likely to spread infection of the disease, after spending over a month at Kitalya Prison.
The Grade One Magistrate Timothy Lumunye released Yiga on a non-cash bail of sh3m, on grounds of ill health and having substantial sureties.

“I have considered the sureties and I am satisfied that they will be able to compel the accused to appear in court throughout his trial,” the magistrate ruled on Tuesday.

Lumunye noted that a medical form from Lisa Medical Center satisfies that Yiga is diabetic and needs immediate treatment, which he has not been getting while on remand.

Yiga’s three sureties, who included Richard Kimbowa, Keishenyu Kyomugisha, and Denson Kato, were bonded at a non-cash bail of sh5m.

The magistrate ordered Yiga to adhere to all measures placed by government authorities in a bid to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Listen carefully. In the strongest terms, you are hereby restrained from commenting on the COVID-19 on the television station, social media, interview, radio, and your followers,” the magistrate warned.

Lumunye told Yiga to be mindful of the sub judice rule that bars detailed public discussion of a case before courts of law.

Yiga is battling charges of doing an act likely to spread infection of disease under section 171 of the Penal Code Act. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of seven years in prison on conviction.



The prosecution asserts that on March 27, 2020, at Revival Christian Church-Kawaala, Rubaga division in Kampala before various television stations, the accused stated that there is no coronavirus in Uganda and Africa, which were broadcast on various television stations.

Lawyer, prosecution arguments
Prior to the bail ruling, lawyer Wilberforce Kayiwa submitted that Yiga needed bail because he had spent 38 days on remand without trial.

The lawyer told the court that Yiga has never been treated since he was remanded on March 30, yet he was supposed to see his personal doctors on April 15, 2020.

“Yiga deserves bail for he needs further treatment. He is a family man and has substantial sureties,” he argued.

In reply, State Prosecutor Safinah Bireke objected to the bail application, saying there is no report from Kitalya Prison indicating that Yiga is ill and neither needs medical attention.

“Your worship, we object to the bail application because we have not received any medical complaint from prison regarding Yiga’s health,” he said.

The case has been adjourned to June 25, for mention. 

MUST READ:

 When fake pastors abuse the poor amidst the silence of the Uganda Government : Luciferian Pastor Augustine Yiga impregnates a number of women

https://watchmanafrica.blogspot.com/2015/10/when-fake-pastors-abuse-poor-amidst.html 

Pastor Yiga Sued for sexually using a young girl and later dumping her.

Woman alleges that Pastor Yiga impregnated her and infected her with HIV

When Wolves disguise as Pastors : Pastor Yiga dragged to police over child neglect

Pastor Yiga Sued for sexually using a young girl and later dumping her.