Uganda’s military has acknowledged that it is holding Reverend Father Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest who disappeared nearly two weeks ago, amid growing political tension ahead of the country’s elections.
According to the army, Father Ssekabira is being held over alleged involvement in what it described as “violent subversive activities” and is expected to be formally charged in court.
Earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Masaka had said the priest was “abducted by men wearing Uganda Army uniforms.” The church has not responded directly to the accusations made by the military.
Church Demands His ReleaseThe Masaka Diocese first raised concerns about Father Ssekabira’s disappearance on Saturday.
Bishop Serverus Jjumba described the incident, which occurred on December 3, as a “deep wound” to the local church, the wider Catholic community, and the priest’s family.
He added that the diocese, alongside its legal team, is working to ensure the priest’s safe return.
Uganda’s police also said they were investigating reports circulating on social media about the alleged abduction. In a statement posted on X, the police said they were “verifying the claims” and would issue updates once more details became available.
Political and Human Rights Worries GrowThe priest’s detention comes at a sensitive time, with Uganda heading into elections next month and increased scrutiny on the conduct of security agencies.
Opposition figure Bobi Wine, who is challenging President Yoweri Museveni, criticised the military for what he described as the unlawful detention of civilians.
Wine alleged that several of his supporters have also been abducted, saying it reflects the government’s intolerance of dissent.
Concerns have also been raised by other recent cases. In October, two Kenyan human rights activists disappeared for five weeks after allegedly being seized at one of Wine’s campaign events before later resurfacing.
