Written By | Bruno Mugizi
Kidnapped; Rev. Fr. Ssekabira
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Masaka
Masaka Catholic Diocese has condemned the abduction of one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, describing the incident as a grievous wound to the Church, the priest’s family, and the country.
In a statement dated December 13, 2025, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, said Fr. Ssekabira—who serves as a curate at Bumangi Parish and director of Uplift Primary School—was abducted by men dressed in Uganda Army uniform.
“Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira was kidnapped by men in Uganda Army uniform on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at about 1:00 pm from his office in Katwe, Masaka City,” Bishop Jjumba said.
The Bishop noted that efforts to trace the whereabouts of the priest had so far been unsuccessful.
“All efforts to locate him have so far been fruitless. This is a grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church, and Fr. Ssekabira’s family,” he said.
Bishop Jjumba added that the Diocese, together with its lawyers, is doing everything possible to ensure the priest’s safe return. “Masaka Diocese, together with our lawyers, is doing everything within our means to secure the safe and unharmed return of our priest,” he said.
Following the incident, the Bishop directed all priests in Masaka Diocese to hold a Rosary Triduum—praying the Rosary for three consecutive days using the Sorrowful Mysteries—for the safe return of Fr. Ssekabira, the Church, and the country.
“I call upon all Christ’s faithful of Masaka Diocese, in your homes, parishes, and communities, to observe a Rosary Triduum, praying that God’s power may reign,” Bishop Jjumba said.
He noted that the statement was issued from Our Lady of Sorrows Kitovu Cathedral, where Msgr. Clement Mukasa was abducted on July 12, 1976, and was never seen again.
Meanwhile, National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has condemned what he described as the brutal arrest and abduction of the Masaka Diocese priest.
“This continued targeting of religious leaders and civilians by armed men is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law,” Kyagulanyi said.
He called on security agencies to explain the whereabouts of Fr. Ssekabira and ensure his immediate release.
The abduction has sparked concern among Christians and residents of Masaka, with renewed calls for accountability and respect for human rights.
Torch Media Africa
