By Staff Reporter | Kampala
Uganda’s security establishment has come under renewed scrutiny. This follows the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) issuing a press statement confirming the arrest and detention of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Catholic Diocese. This occurred days after police publicly claimed they were still “verifying” reports of his alleged abduction. The contradiction between official statements, alongside constitutional guarantees on arrest and detention, has ignited a national and international debate. This debate focuses on President Yoweri Museveni’s (M7) rule and civil liberties. Critics describe it as an escalating confrontation between the state and the Catholic Church.
In a press statement dated 14 December 2025, signed by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF confirmed that Rev. Fr. Ssekabira “was recently arrested by the security forces for involvement in violent subversive activities against the state.” He is “currently in lawful custody to assist with further investigations.” The army further stated that the priest would be produced in court. He would be charged accordingly.
This admission stands in sharp contrast to an earlier public communication by the Uganda Police Force on the same day. In a social media post, police said they had “noted social media reports alleging the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira” and were “currently verifying these claims.” They promised an update once sufficient information was obtained.
“The contradiction between police denials and UPDF admission has deepened public suspicion over secret detentions and lack of transparency,” one human rights lawyer told this publication.
Constitutional Questions
The case has revived debate around Article 23 of Uganda’s Constitution, which clearly spells out the rights of arrested persons. The Constitution requires that anyone arrested or detained must be informed immediately of the reasons for arrest. They must be allowed access to a lawyer of their choice. Additionally, they should be produced before a court of law within 48 hours. It also guarantees access to next of kin, medical care, and lawful places of detention.
Critics argue that the circumstances surrounding Rev. Fr. Ssekabira’s arrest, described by church sources and activists as an enforced disappearance before official confirmation, raise serious constitutional red flags.
“If the detention was lawful from the beginning, why did police say they were still verifying whether he had been abducted?” asked a constitutional scholar in Kampala.
“This inconsistency undermines the claim of due process.”
Church, Politics, and Power
Beyond the legal questions, the case has taken on a deeply political and religious dimension. Catholic leaders and civil society groups view the detention of Rev. Fr. Ssekabira as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. This pattern targets faith leaders who speak out against state violence, abductions, and abuses. This is especially concerning as Uganda heads into the heated 2026 election season.
The Catholic Church has repeatedly criticized torture, enforced disappearances, and police brutality during past elections. President Museveni’s chief political rival, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine, is himself a Catholic. He enjoys strong support within Catholic communities across the country. This alliance, analysts say, has increasingly unsettled the regime.
“This is not an isolated incident; it is a signal,” one Catholic activist said.
“A message to priests and bishops that speaking truth to power comes at a cost.”
Militarisation of Justice
Observers also point to what they describe as the creeping militarisation of civilian justice. With the UPDF publicly announcing arrests traditionally handled by police and courts, concerns are growing. The military is assuming an outsized role in domestic law enforcement under Museveni’s long rule.
“When the army becomes the primary narrator of civilian arrests, the rule of law is in danger,” warned a regional human rights monitor.
The UPDF statement claims Rev. Fr. Ssekabira is being held in “lawful custody.” However, it does not specify the exact place of detention. This omission is another point of contention given constitutional requirements. Detainees must be held only in gazetted places authorised by law.
Calls for Accountability
Faith-based organisations, opposition figures, and rights groups are now demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Rev. Fr. Ssekabira. Or, they demand his prompt arraignment in open court if credible charges exist. They are also calling for independent investigations into abuses against clergy and civilians. Furthermore, they demand international pressure on Kampala to respect religious freedom and human rights.
“The forced disappearance and detention of clergy is an attack on freedom of conscience itself,” a joint statement from faith leaders read.
“The world is watching.”
As President Museveni (M7) and the UPDF defend their actions in the name of national security, critics argue that the real casualty may be public trust in state institutions. Moreover, the fragile relationship between church and state in Uganda could be at stake.
With elections approaching and dissent increasingly policed, the detention of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira has become more than a single case. It is now a test of whether Uganda’s constitutional promises remain meaningful. Or, under Museveni’s military-backed rule, they might exist only on paper.
