The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have confirmed that they are holding Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest from Bumangi Parish and a former diocesan youth chaplain. The confirmation comes days after the priest was reported missing, sparking public concern, prayers, and strong reactions from opposition leaders and human rights activists.
Priest Reported Missing After Alleged Abduction
Fr. Ssekabira was reported missing after witnesses claimed that he was picked up by men wearing Ugandan army uniforms in early December 2025. For several days, his whereabouts remained unknown. Police initially said they did not know where the priest was being held, raising fear and anxiety among believers, family members, and the wider public.
The situation changed when the UPDF issued a statement confirming that the priest is in their custody. According to the army, Fr. Ssekabira is being held on allegations of involvement in violent and subversive activities against the state. However, the military did not provide specific details about the accusations or evidence against him.
UPDF Says Detention Is “Lawful”
In their statement, the UPDF said Fr. Ssekabira is in “lawful custody” and will be charged in court soon. The army insists that due process will be followed. Despite this assurance, many Ugandans remain concerned, especially because the military is not supposed to detain civilians for long periods under the Constitution.
Uganda’s Constitution states that any arrested person must be produced before a court of law within 48 hours. Critics argue that holding a civilian priest in military custody goes against this legal requirement.
Church and Clergy React with Shock and Prayer
The Catholic Church and members of the clergy have expressed deep concern over the arrest. Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale, speaking emotionally, said Fr. Ssekabira should have been celebrating Gaudete Sunday, a joyful day in the Catholic calendar, by leading believers in Holy Mass.
Instead, he said, the priest is believed to be suffering in detention, possibly facing mistreatment and humiliation. He called on Christians and all people of goodwill to pray for Fr. Ssekabira’s safety and quick release.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Military Detention
Opposition leaders have strongly condemned the military’s action. National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, accused the government of turning Uganda into a country where civilians are unlawfully detained by the army.
Bobi Wine questioned why police earlier denied knowledge of the priest’s whereabouts, only for the military to later admit they were holding him. He said the military has no legal mandate to detain civilians and accused it of operating secret detention centers, commonly referred to as “safe houses.”
He also linked Fr. Ssekabira’s arrest to a wider pattern of abductions, especially of opposition supporters, who he claims are often held incommunicado at military barracks such as Mbuya and Kasenyi.
Human Rights Concerns Grow
Human rights activists have also raised alarm, warning that the arrest sets a dangerous precedent. They argue that detaining a religious leader without clear charges or transparency increases fear and mistrust in state institutions.
Rights groups are demanding that authorities clearly explain the charges, allow the priest access to lawyers and family, and present him before a civilian court as required by law.
Political Tension Ahead of 2026 Elections
The arrest comes at a time of rising political tension as Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections. Many observers fear that increased arrests and military involvement in civilian matters could worsen the political climate and limit freedoms.
For now, the country watches closely as pressure mounts on the government and the UPDF to respect the law, uphold human rights, and ensure justice is done in a transparent manner.
As the case unfolds, many Ugandans continue to pray and call for calm, fairness, and the rule of law.