By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
NATIONAL
The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces on Sunday 14th December confirmed to be holding Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest from Masaka Diocese who went missing earlier this month.
In a statement dated December 14, 2025, the UPDF said the priest was arrested by security forces and is being investigated for alleged involvement in “violent subversive activities against the state.”
“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,” read part of the statement.
The statement, signed by Colonel Chris Magezi, the acting Director of Defence Public Information, marks the first official acknowledgement by the military after days of mounting pressure from the Catholic Church, the public, and political leaders.
The confirmation contrasts with earlier statements from the Uganda Police Force, which said it was unaware of the priest’s whereabouts.
Masaka Diocese has consistently described the priest’s disappearance as a kidnapping carried out by men in military uniform.
In a statement dated December 13, 2025, Bishop Severus Jjumba said Fr Ssekabira, a curate at Bumangi Parish and director of Uplift Primary School, was kidnapped on December 3, 2025, at around 1:00 pm in Katwe, Masaka City.
The military’s admission has also sparked concerns over military involvement in civilian law enforcement, with religious leaders and rights advocates demanding that Fr. Ssekabira be charged in a civilian court.
