The High Court in Masaka has granted bail to Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, ending more than two months of his stay on remand.
Relatives, friends and well-wishers thronged the High Court premises early on Friday morning as Fr. Ssekabira was produced before court.
The session, presided over by Justice Victoria Nakintu, commenced early, and by about 10:00am the accused priest appeared before the judge.
The case had been scheduled for hearing, but state prosecutors informed court that they were not ready to proceed.
The prosecution told court that investigations were still ongoing and that some key evidence was expected from outside the country.
Fr Ssekabira is facing charges related to money laundering.
Following the prosecution’s request for more time, lawyers for the accused renewed their bail application, arguing that continued detention was unjustified given the state’s lack of readiness to proceed.
“We pray that court exercises its discretion and allows our client to defend himself while on bail, especially since the state is not ready to proceed,” defence lawyer Lure Nkima submitted.
In her ruling delivered at about 2:00pm, Justice Nakintu granted bail and ordered Fr. Ssekabira’s release on a cash bail of Shs15 million.
His sureties were bonded at Shs50 million, non-cash.
Those who stood surety include Fr Jude Juuko, the chancellor of Masaka Diocese, and Kalungu West Member of Parliament Joseph Sewungu, among others.
While granting bail, the judge cautioned the accused to strictly comply with all bail conditions, warning that failure to do so would attract serious consequences.
Scenes of jubilation were witnessed outside the court premises as supporters broke into songs and ululations.
“We are very happy. We even stopped shaving and suspended some of our leisure activities as we prayed for his release,” one supporter told reporters.
Meanwhile, Fr Ssekabira’s lawyer, Sam Ssekyewa, said the defence has filed two separate cases relating to the alleged torture of their client while in custody.
“Our client was subjected to torture, and we have taken legal steps to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Ssekyewa said.
Fr Ssekabira is expected to return to court on February 27 for the commencement of trial over the money laundering charges.
