The Bishop of Masaka Diocese Serverus Jjumba has called for the release of Bumanji Parish Curate, Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira who was recently kidnapped by armed men in a drone wearing Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) uniforms.
In a letter dated 13th December addressed to faithful in the Diocese and all people of good will, Bishop Jjumba notes that the church has made all efforts for days to locate the whereabouts of Fr Ssekabira who was kidnapped 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.
“All efforts to locate him have so far been fruitless. It is a grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church, and Fr. Ssekabira’s family. Masaka Diocese together with our lawyers are still doing whatever is in our means to get back our priest unharmed” he said.
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.
“Today 13th December 2025, I am calling upon all Christ’s faithful of Masaka Diocese, in your homes, parishes and communities to do a Rosary Triduum, with Sorrowful Mysteries, praying that God’s power may reign” he said.
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.
In a brief response to the Catholic Church’s call, the Uganda Police Force has revealed that it has taken into account the social media reports alleging the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira.
“We are currently verifying these claims and will provide an update once sufficient information about the Reverend Father is obtained” the police posted on it’s X handle on Sunday.
