Masaka Catholic Diocese Youth Chaplain, Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, will spend this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays in prison after court ordered his remand until January 21, 2026.
Fr Ssekabira was on Tuesday produced before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court, weeks after he reportedly went missing following his arrest by soldiers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). However, the court did not hear his case, ruling that it lacks the jurisdiction to try the offence he is facing.
Presiding magistrate Abdallah Kayiza explained that the charge of money laundering can only be tried by the High Court or the Anti-Corruption Court, prompting the court to remand the priest as the case file is prepared for transfer.
According to prosecutors, Fr Ssekabira is accused of concealing Shs500 million, money the state claims he knew or suspected to be proceeds of crime. The offence falls under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and carries heavy penalties if proven.
Tuesday’s court appearance marked the first time Fr Ssekabira was seen in public since his reported abduction earlier this month, an incident that sparked outrage among religious leaders, human rights activists and opposition figures.
For nearly two weeks, security agencies remained silent about his whereabouts before the UPDF, through spokesperson Chris Magezi, confirmed that the priest was in military custody. The army claimed he was being held over alleged “violent subversive activities.”
Fr Ssekabira’s lawyers insist his arrest and detention were illegal, arguing that he was held incommunicado without access to his lawyers or family. They also raised concerns about his health and well-being during the period he was in custody.
The state, however, maintains that the matter is purely criminal and unrelated to his role as a priest, insisting the allegations are financial in nature and serious enough to be handled by a higher court.
Legal experts say the magistrate’s decision was procedural, allowing time for the case to be properly committed to a court with the right jurisdiction.
The case has once again stirred debate over the involvement of military agencies in civilian law enforcement, with rights groups calling for transparency and respect for constitutional safeguards.
Fr Ssekabira remains on remand as preparations are made to move his case to the High Court or Anti-Corruption Court.
More updates to follow as the case unfolds.
