The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially admitted detaining a Catholic priest from Masaka Diocese, ending nearly two weeks of speculation and mounting tension over his disappearance.
The detained cleric, Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, Curate at Bumagi Parish and Director of the NGO Universal Chastity Education, was confirmed to be in military custody after being picked up by armed operatives on December 3, 2025.
Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, issued a statement on Sunday, December 14, 2025, confirming the arrest and revealing the charge.
“The priest was recently arrested by the security forces for involvement in violent subversive activities against the state,” Col. Magezi stated, adding that Fr. Ssekabira is in “lawful custody” and is assisting investigators.
The army spokesperson further noted that the priest “will be produced in a court of law and charged accordingly,” though a specific date for his appearance was not provided.
The Abduction
Fr. Ssekabira, who also serves Bumangi Parish in Kalangala district, was abducted from the offices of his NGO in Katwe Zone, Masaka City.
Ms. Rose Nakachwa, the NGO’s youth coordinator, recounted that armed men, suspected to be UPDF soldiers, ordered the priest into a waiting car with concealed number plates. Fr. Ssekabira was blindfolded and whisked away, along with his secretary, Rosette Nakintu, who was later dropped off nearby.
The assailants did not introduce themselves or offer any explanation to the priest’s colleagues, family, or Church authorities, leading to days of frantic searches and a growing public outcry over his whereabouts.
Church and Legal Pressure
The UPDF’s admission followed sustained pressure from the Masaka Diocese leadership and family members.
Bishop Severus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese had earlier issued a public statement expressing “deep distress” over the “kidnapping,” which he alleged was carried out by men in army uniform traveling in a van commonly known as a ‘drone.’ The Bishop had also declared three days of special prayers, the Sorrowful Mysteries, seeking divine intervention in the matter.
In a legal move to compel the state to disclose the priest’s whereabouts, Diocese lawyer Alexander Lule Nkima had filed a habeas corpus petition in the Masaka High Court just one day before the army’s statement.
Mr. Nkima criticised the manner of the arrest, saying the abduction without following lawful procedure had caused widespread fear among the faithful. “We are waiting for Fr Ssekabira to be produced before a competent court so that the exact charges can be known,” the lawyer said.
Fr. Ssekabira remains in custody pending the army’s decision on his court martial or production before a civilian court.
