By The Catholic Church in Masaka has called for prayers and restraint as concern mounts over the whereabouts of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a priest of Masaka Diocese, who was reportedly abducted by armed men in military uniform more than ten days ago.
In a statement dated December 13, 2025, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, said Fr. Ssekabira was kidnapped on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at about 1:00 pm from Katwe in Masaka City. The priest was taken from his office at Uplift Primary School, where he serves as director.
According to the statement, the abduction was carried out by men dressed in Uganda Army uniform and reportedly involved the use of a drone. The diocese said all efforts to trace the priest’s whereabouts have so far been unsuccessful.
“This is a grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church, and Fr. Ssekabira’s family,” Bishop Jjumba said, adding that church lawyers are still pursuing all available avenues to secure the priest’s safe return.
The bishop called on clergy and believers to intensify prayers, announcing a Rosary Triduum with Sorrowful Mysteries across homes, parishes, and communities in the diocese, seeking divine intervention for the priest’s release.
The communication was issued from Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral, a site the bishop said holds painful historical significance, recalling the 1976 abduction of the late Msgr. Clement Mukasa, who was never seen again.
Meanwhile, the disappearance has sparked outrage on social media, with family friends, activists, and opposition figures demanding accountability from security agencies.
Social commentator Jim Spire Ssentongo described the continued detention without explanation as alarming, noting that no charges or official communication have been issued regarding Fr. Ssekabira’s arrest.
Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, said the priest should have been leading Mass but instead may be held in unlawful detention, accusing the state of fostering a climate of fear and abuse.
As of Sunday, there had been no official statement from security agencies regarding the arrest or whereabouts of Fr. Ssekabira.
Masaka Diocese urged the faithful and the public to remain calm while continuing to pray for the priest’s safety and the protection of human dignity and justice in the country.
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