Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a priest of Masaka Diocese and curate at Bumangi Parish, has hired a team of seasoned lawyers to defend him against money laundering charges following his high-profile arrest in December 2025.
The priest was abducted on December 3, 2025, from his offices in Katwe by armed military personnel who allegedly forced him into drones and took him to an undisclosed location.
His disappearance sparked outrage among the faithful in Masaka, across Uganda, and internationally, with activists and civil society organizations demanding his immediate release.
On December 14, Army spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed that Fr. Ssekabira had been arrested by security forces for alleged involvement in violent subversive activities against the state and was in lawful custody to assist investigations.
He was later arraigned at Masaka Chief Magistrates Court on December 23, 2025, for allegedly concealing Shs 500 million at Centenary Bank Masaka Branch between 2023 and 2025, suspected to be proceeds of crime. The matter is triable only by the High Court, and he was remanded at Masaka Main Prison until January 21, 2026.
Fr. Ssekabira has appointed renowned criminal lawyer Sam Ssekyewa, together with diocesan legal officer Lule Alexander, to lead his defense. Ssekyewa, who has a track record in high-profile criminal cases including the Manya School fire case, said:
“Almost everything is ready. We are just waiting for the set dates when our client is expected to be back in court to get bail for him as we fight to ensure that the charges slapped against him can be dismissed and get his freedom.”
“We have asked for disclosure from the prosecution, as we prepare for the trial, but we are aware that his rights were violated for the three weeks he was held and we are going to inform the court about this when the trial starts.”
The priest faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment or a fine of up to Shs 2 billion if convicted.