The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the detention of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira over alleged involvement in violent subversive activities against the state. The announcement was made by Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
Fr. Ssekabira, a priest of Masaka Diocese and curate at Bumangi Parish, was reportedly abducted by men dressed in military uniforms and traveling in a drone vehicle on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, around 1:00 p.m. The incident allegedly occurred at Katwe in Masaka City, at his office where he also serves as Director of Uplift Primary School.
“This is to confirm that Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese was recently arrested by the security forces for involvement in violent subversive activities against the state,” Col. Magezi said.
He said Fr. Ssekabira is currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations. He will be produced in court and charged accordingly.
The UPDF statement comes a day after the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severous Jjumba, publicly spoke about the alleged abduction. The Bishop had earlier said that all efforts to trace Fr. Ssekabira had been unsuccessful.
“It is a grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church, and Fr. Ssekabira’s family. Masaka Diocese, together with our lawyers, is doing everything within our means to ensure our priest is returned unharmed,” the Bishop said.
Last week, the Bishop instructed all priests in Masaka Diocese to observe a Rosary Triduum praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for three consecutive days for the safe return of Fr. Ssekabira, the Church, and the nation of Uganda.
On Tuesday, he further called upon all faithful in the diocese to pray the Rosary Triduum in their homes, parishes, and communities, asking that God’s power may prevail.
“I am making this communication from Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral, where on July 12, 1976, Msgr. Clement Mukasa was kidnapped and has never been seen again,” the Bishop added.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force released a statement acknowledging reports circulating on social media regarding Fr. Ssekabira’s alleged abduction.
“We are currently verifying these claims and will provide an update once sufficient information about the Reverend Father is obtained,” the police said.
