By Ben Musanje
The Roman Catholic Church in Uganda has vowed to do everything in its power to secure the release of Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a well-known and respected priest from the Masaka Diocese, who is facing serious charges of money laundering.
His unexpected and dramatic arrest has thrown the country into frenzy, sparking outrage among the faithful, human rights organizations, and political figures alike. As the case continues to unfold, questions are mounting about the true reasons behind his detention and whether this could be part of a broader political agenda.
Fr. Ssekabira, who served at Bumangi Catholic Parish in Kalangala District and was also the director of Uplift Primary School in Masaka, was suddenly taken by force on December 3, 2025.
According to reports, armed men dressed in military uniforms abducted the priest from his office at Universal Chastity Education, a Catholic organization in Masaka City. For over a week, no one knew where he was, and his disappearance left his family, the church, and the local community in a state of shock and confusion.
Initially, local police were unable to provide any answers about Fr. Ssekabira’s whereabouts, fueling rumors and fears that the priest had been subjected to an illegal abduction. It wasn’t until December 14, 2025, that the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) confirmed that Fr. Ssekabira was in their custody.
The military claimed that he was involved in “violent subversive activities against the state,” though many Ugandans have questioned whether these accusations are a smokescreen for political repression, particularly as Uganda’s general elections approach.
The charges against Fr. Ssekabira are serious. Masaka High Court has formally charged him with money laundering, accusing the priest of concealing the ownership of Shs500 million at Centenary Bank Masaka Branch between 2023 and 2025.
The prosecution alleges that Fr. Ssekabira, along with other suspects who remain at large, attempted to hide the true origin of the money, which is suspected to be the proceeds of crime. The accusations have shocked the Catholic community, especially considering Fr. Ssekabira’s long-standing reputation as a dedicated servant of the church and his role in education and social services in Masaka and beyond.
In response to the charges, the Catholic Church has quickly mobilized to support Fr. Ssekabira, with Bishop Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese leading the effort.
Speaking during Christmas services at Kitovu Cathedral, Bishop Jjumba expressed his deep shock at the arrest and reassured the public that the diocese was committed to securing Fr. Ssekabira’s release. He emphasized that the church would not stand by quietly but would use all legal means available to ensure that justice was served.
Bishop Jjumba explained that the diocese had been deeply shaken when they first heard the news of Fr. Ssekabira’s arrest, describing it as a “shocking and painful” event for the entire church.
He made it clear that the diocese was working closely with legal authorities to free the priest, and he thanked the Catholic faithful and the wider community for their unwavering support. “Your prayers and solidarity have given us strength,” the bishop said, pledging to continue the fight for Fr. Ssekabira’s freedom. The church is also considering further legal action, including filing a habeas corpus petition to demand that the state either produce the priest in court or release him immediately.
The case has ignited a fierce political debate, with opposition lawmakers, human rights advocates, and legal experts strongly condemning the military’s role in detaining a civilian without trial. Critics argue that this is a dangerous violation of constitutional rights and a serious threat to Uganda’s democratic institutions. The Uganda Catholic Lawyers Society has called for Fr. Ssekabira’s immediate release, demanding that he be given a fair trial in a civilian court and that the military stop interfering in legal matters that should be handled by the police and the judiciary.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Jjumba also urged the Catholic faithful to reflect on the pastoral letter issued earlier this year by the Bishops of Uganda. The letter urged citizens to approach the upcoming elections with a spirit of peace, fairness, and justice. It called on Ugandans to prioritize national unity and avoid violence or intimidation, while also urging the government to respect the rule of law and ensure that the election process is free and fair.
Bishop Jjumba’s remarks take on extra weight in light of Fr. Ssekabira’s detention, as many people now view his arrest as a sign of political repression. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
