The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed that Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest from Masaka Diocese who was previously reported missing, is being held by state security and is under investigation for alleged activities deemed subversive to the state.
In a statement released on December 14, 2025, through the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the UPDF said Fr. Ssekabira was arrested by security operatives and is currently in lawful detention to assist with investigations.
The statement, issued by the Department of Defence Public Information and signed by Acting Director Col. Chris Magezi, said the priest is suspected of involvement in violent acts targeting the state.
“Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese was recently arrested by security forces for alleged involvement in violent subversive activities against the state,” the statement said. “He is in lawful custody and will be produced before court and charged accordingly.”
The clarification follows days of public anxiety after Masaka Diocese announced that the priest had been kidnapped by armed men wearing military uniforms. According to the Diocese, Fr. Ssekabira — a curate at Bumanji Parish and Director of Uplift Primary School — was taken on December 3, 2025, from his office in Katwe, Masaka City.
The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, earlier described the incident as deeply troubling and called on Christians to pray regularly for the priest’s safe return, saying all attempts to trace his whereabouts had failed.
Confusion deepened on Sunday when the Uganda Police Force said it had no confirmed information about the alleged abduction. In a message posted on X, police said they were still verifying reports circulating on social media.
“The Uganda Police Force has noted reports alleging the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira. We are verifying the information and will issue an update once more details are established,” the statement read.
The UPDF’s announcement now confirms, for the first time, that Fr. Ssekabira is indeed in state custody, contradicting earlier uncertainty from police authorities.
Security agencies have not disclosed where the priest is being held, the specific allegations against him, or when he is expected to appear in court.
Meanwhile, Masaka Diocese is yet to issue an official response to the UPDF statement.
