The Ugandan army has admitted it is holding a Catholic priest who had been missing for nearly two weeks, claiming he is suspected of involvement in what it described as “violent subversive activities”.
In a short statement, the military said Father Deusdedit Ssekabira was arrested, is currently in lawful custody, and will be charged before a court. No further details were provided about the alleged offences.
Earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Masaka said the priest had been taken by men wearing Uganda Army uniforms. The church has not yet responded publicly to the military’s claims.
Father Ssekabira was reported missing after his disappearance on 3 December. Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba described the incident as a deeply painful blow to the diocese, the wider Catholic Church, and the priest’s family. He said church leaders and lawyers were working tirelessly to ensure Father Ssekabira’s safe return.
Just hours before the military confirmed the detention, Uganda’s police said they were investigating social media reports about the priest’s alleged abduction and promised to issue an update once more information was available.
The case has intensified concerns about human rights in Uganda as the country prepares for elections next month. Rights groups have repeatedly raised alarms over enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and prolonged incarceration without trial.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine criticised the military’s action, insisting that armed forces have no authority to detain civilians. The musician-turned-politician, who is challenging President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming polls, accused security agencies of abducting his supporters and suppressing dissent.
Uganda’s security forces have frequently faced accusations of detaining opposition figures outside official procedures. In several cases, detainees have later appeared in court facing serious charges. High-profile incidents in recent years, including the detention of foreign activists and opposition leaders, have further fuelled debate about the role of the military in civilian affairs.
As pressure mounts ahead of the elections, the detention of Father Ssekabira is likely to deepen scrutiny of Uganda’s security practices and respect for civil liberties.