MASAKA, UGANDA — The Masaka Central Police Station has formally charged a missing Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, with money laundering, contrary to Sections 3(b), 119, and 139(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap 118.
According to the charge sheet seen by this publication, Ssekabira, together with others still at large, allegedly between 2023 and 2025 intentionally concealed or disguised the true ownership of Shs500 million, knowing or suspecting that the funds were proceeds of crime.
Arrest and Detention
Rev. Fr. Ssekabira, 47, is a Catholic priest attached to Bumangi Catholic Parish in the Ssese Islands. He was arrested on December 3, 2025, at around 1:00 p.m., in Katwe, Masaka City, by men reportedly dressed in military uniform.
His disappearance following the arrest raised public concern until the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed on Sunday, December 14, that the priest was in their custody. The UPDF stated that he was being investigated for alleged involvement in violent subversive activities against the state.
Court Appearance and Remand
The charge sheet, dated Monday, December 22, 2025, was sanctioned on Tuesday, December 23, enabling Ssekabira’s arraignment before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court.
However, the presiding magistrate, Abdallah Kayiza, ruled that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case. The priest was consequently remanded until January 21, 2026, pending transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction.
Investigations Ongoing
Authorities say investigations into the alleged money laundering and related security matters are ongoing. The identities of other suspects mentioned in the charge sheet have not yet been disclosed.
The case has drawn national attention due to the priest’s prolonged disappearance, the involvement of military authorities, and the seriousness of the charges.
