The Masaka Magistrates Court has remanded Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira to prison 20 days after his arrest.
Fr. Ssekabira, a priest of Masaka Diocese and a curate at Bumangi Parish, was reportedly abducted by men dressed in military uniforms traveling in a drone vehicle on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at around 1:00 p.m.
The incident allegedly occurred at Katwe in Masaka City, at his office where he also serves as the Director of Uplift Primary School.
Appearing before Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza, Fr. Ssekabira was charged with money laundering and subsequently remanded until January 21, 2026. The magistrate stated that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.
Prosecution alleges that Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira and others still at large, between 2023 and 2025 at Centenary Bank, Masaka Branch in Masaka District, intentionally concealed or disguised the true ownership of Shs 500 million, knowing or suspecting the money to be proceeds of crime.
Ten days after his arrest, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed his detention over alleged involvement in violent subversive activities against the state. The revelation was made by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
“This is to confirm that Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese was recently arrested by security forces for involvement in violent subversive activities against the state,” Col. Magezi said.
He added that Fr. Ssekabira is currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations and will be produced in court and charged accordingly.
