Legal practitioners have slammed the government, labeling the prosecution of Rev Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira as "malicious" after the Catholic priest was arraigned in court following 20 days of illegal military detention.
Fr Ssekabira, a curate at Bumangi Parish, was remanded to prison until January 21, 2026, by Masaka Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza.
The magistrate declined to hear the case, citing a lack of jurisdiction over the newly preferred charge of money laundering.
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The appearance of the priest who was abducted by UPDF soldiers on 3rd December 2025 immediately drew fierce criticism from the legal fraternity, who argue the charges are a "smokescreen" for political persecution.
Lawyers pointed to the stark contradiction between the military's initial claims of "violent subversive activities" and the sudden money laundering charge involving Shs 500 million.
Jude Byamukama, lawyer
"The charge of money laundering has been preferred against Fr Ssekabira before the Magistrates Court in Masaka. It is well. At least we know we are dealing with a malicious prosecution after 20 days of illegal detention."
Lawyers like Phillip Karugaba have already signaled that such a prolonged illegal detention should entitle the priest to unconditional release.
The defense will likely argue that because the state failed to respect the initial 48-hour window, they lost the legal authority to continue holding or even charging him.
"I am told Fr Ssekabira is now finally at Masaka Court after abduction and 20 days in unlawful military custody. After such egregious violation of his fundamental rights, he is entitled to unconditional release. He can no longer be fairly tried."
Concerns of a 'Placeholder' Charge
The shift in the state's narrative has led some observers to suggest that the money laundering charge is merely a legal maneuver to keep the priest incarcerated while the state prepares more serious political allegations.
"But can a whole government kidnap and hide a citizen on suspicion of money laundering? The regime is using the charge to hide something or just keep this priest in jail. I suspect the charge will soon be amended to treason." Godber Tumushabe, Lawyer and Political Researcher:
Summary of the Ordeal
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- December 3, 2025: Fr. Ssekabira is abducted from his office in Katwe, Masaka City, by armed men in military uniform using a "drone" van.
- Dec 14, 2025: After 11 days of silence, the UPDF admits to holding him for "violent subversive activities."
- Dec 23, 2025: The priest appears in court, but the charge is changed to money laundering. He is remanded for a month because the lower court cannot try the case.
The Catholic Diocese of Masaka, led by Bishop Serverus Jjumba, has previously described the abduction as a "grievous wound."
With the next hearing set for late January, the legal team is expected to challenge the validity of the trial based on the violation of the 48-hour constitutional rule.
