The Acting Defence Public Information Officer Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Col Chris Magezi, has confirmed that the force is holding missing Masaka Diocese Priest Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, over involvement in violent subversive activities against the state.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Magezi noted that Fr Ssekabira is being held in one of the forces facilities as investigations into his activities continue.
“This is to confirm that Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese was recently arrested by the security forces for involvement in violent subversive activities against the state” he said.
He added, “Rev. Fr. SSEKABIRA is currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations into the matter”.
Col Magezi further noted that Fr Ssekabira will be produced in the courts of law and charged accordingly after investigations are complete.
On Saturday, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese Serverus Jjumba called for the release of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira who is the Bumanji Parish Curate, following his abduction by UPDF soldiers on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 1:00 pm, at Katwe in Masaka City, at his office as Director of Uplift Primary School to no avail.
Bishop Jjumba noted that he has asked all priests in the diocese to pray the Rosary for three consecutive days with Sorrowful Mysteries, praying for Fr Ssekabira, the Church and country at large.
Bishop Jjumba noted that he made the communication from Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral, where on 12th July 1976, Msgr. Clement Mukasa was kidnapped and he has never been seen again.
