Ugandan military confirms it is holding missing Catholic priest missing for two weeks amid public outcry
Uganda’s army has confirmed it is holding Rev Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Masaka Diocese priest missing since 3 December, accusing him of subversive activities and promising to charge him in court.
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed that it is holding a Catholic priest who went missing nearly two weeks ago, amid public outcry and protests from the church.
In a brief statement signed by Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, the UPDF acknowledged detaining Rev Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese, accusing him of involvement in "violent subversive activities against the State."
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"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," the statement reads. However, it did not clarify the exact nature of his alleged subversive activities.
According to Magezi, the priest will be arraigned in court at a later date and charged with the alleged offence.
"Rev. Fr. Ssekabira is currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations into the matter. He will be produced in the courts of law and charged accordingly," Magezi said.
Ssekabira went missing in Masaka City on the afternoon of 3 December after unidentified men, dressed in military attire, whisked him away in an unmarked van.
His whereabouts remained unknown before the UPDF’s statement, with efforts to locate him proving unsuccessful.
On Sunday, the Uganda Police Force confirmed that it was actively investigating Ssekabira’s reported disappearance.
"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," the police said in a statement on X.
Detention without trial
The priest’s disappearance and detention have raised serious questions about Uganda’s legal system, particularly the practice of holding individuals for extended periods before trial.
The case comes as Uganda prepares for a high-stakes general election on 15 January. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, is seeking to extend his nearly 40-year rule.
Over the years, he has amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, allowing him to remain in office far longer than most African leaders.
His main challenger is Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a former musician who has garnered strong support among younger voters.
Critics have accused Museveni’s government of cracking down on opponents, ignoring human rights, and allowing corruption, although officials insist that those detained face due process.
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