Ugandan Army Admits Holding Catholic Priest Who Was Reported Missing

The Ugandan military has confirmed it is holding a Catholic Priest who went missing nearly two weeks ago, accusing him of involvement in “violent subversive activities”.

In a brief statement, the military said Father Deusdedit Ssekabira had been arrested, was in “lawful custody” and would be charged in Court.

The Catholic Diocese in the city of Masaka previously said Father Ssekabira was “kidnapped by men in Uganda Army uniform”. The church has not responded to the military’s accusations.

As Uganda prepares to hold elections next month, it faces growing scrutiny from human rights groups over reports of enforced disappearances and prolonged detention without trial.

The Masaka Diocese raised the alarm about Father Ssekabira on Saturday.

In a statement, Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba said the Priest was taken on 3 December and that his disappearence was a “grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church and Father Ssekabira’s family”.