Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest from the Masaka Diocese, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, is currently in lawful custody under the detention of security forces, according to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
The army confirmed that Fr. Ssekabira was arrested in connection with violent subversive activities against the state, and is being held to assist in ongoing criminal investigations.
“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,” said Col. Chris Magezi, the UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
“He is currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations and will be produced in the courts of law and charged accordingly.”
Fr. Ssekabira, who also serves as Youth Chaplain for Masaka Catholic Diocese, was earlier reported missing after he was allegedly abducted by armed men from Katwe Trading Centre in Masaka. Eyewitnesses said the men were travelling in a Toyota Hiace van, reportedly bearing registration number UBE 199F.
His disappearance triggered concern among family members, colleagues, and members of the public after efforts to trace him through nearby police stations yielded no official record of his arrest or detention, raising fears over his safety and whereabouts.
The case has since attracted national attention, with critics citing it as part of a broader pattern of arrests carried out through abductions.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, condemned the trend, linking Fr. Ssekabira’s disappearance to other recent incidents, including the alleged abduction of Sarah Nambogo from her workplace at Kampala Club.
“First, they came for Muslim clerics, then opposition leaders and members, then some within academia and civil society, then some foreign nationals. Now, they’re coming for Catholic priests and professionals. Who is next?” Kyagulanyi said.
Cartoonist, academic and social commentator Jim Spire Ssentongo also criticised what he described as the growing normalisation of arrests conducted through abductions.
In a series of statements, he expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding Fr. Ssekabira’s detention and warned that such methods endanger all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“The normalisation of arrest by abduction should concern everyone,” Ssentongo said, questioning the absence of arrest warrants, identification by arresting officers, and clear accountability by state institutions.
The Uganda Police Force later said it had taken note of social media reports alleging the priest’s abduction and was verifying the claims, promising to issue an update once sufficient information is obtained.
“The Uganda Police Force has noted social media reports alleging the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira. We are currently verifying these claims and will provide an update once sufficient information about the Reverend Father is obtained.”
As investigations continue, civil society groups, opposition figures, and members of the Church are calling for greater transparency, adherence to due process, and clarity on the specific charges facing Fr. Ssekabira, amid growing concerns over human rights and the rule of law.
