Catholic Lawyers Demand Immediate Production of Masaka Priest Before Civilian Court
Kampala — Catholic lawyers under the umbrella of the Uganda Catholic Lawyers Society (UCLS) have demanded the immediate production of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira before a competent civilian court, following his alleged abduction, enforced disappearance, and continued unlawful detention by security agencies.
In a strongly worded statement dated 14 December 2025, the lawyers expressed grave concern and unequivocally condemned the manner in which the priest of the Catholic Diocese of Masaka was arrested and detained. According to the Society, Fr. Ssekabira was abducted on 3 December 2025 by armed security operatives traveling in unmarked vehicles, without a warrant, identification, or disclosure of the reasons for his arrest .
The lawyers noted that for more than ten days, the priest’s whereabouts remained unknown, with his family, Diocese, and legal representatives denied access. They described this period as an enforced disappearance, a practice prohibited under Uganda’s Constitution and international human-rights obligations .
Although the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) later acknowledged that Fr. Ssekabira was in their custody on allegations of involvement in “violent subversive activities,” UCLS argued that this admission does not cure the illegality surrounding his arrest and detention. They emphasized that civilians should not be subjected to military detention and that security allegations do not override constitutional safeguards .
The Society cited violations of several constitutional provisions, including the right to personal liberty, freedom from torture, the right to a fair hearing, and access to habeas corpus. They also raised concern over the use of ungazetted detention facilities, secrecy, and incommunicado detention, warning that such practices undermine the rule of law and public trust in state institutions .
In their calls to action, the Catholic lawyers urged the UPDF to immediately present Fr. Ssekabira before a civilian court, grant him access to lawyers, family, and Church authorities, and disclose the legal basis and conditions of his detention. They also called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to review the legality of the case and either lawfully charge the priest in a civilian court or order his release .
The statement further appealed to the Judiciary, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and Parliament to exercise their constitutional oversight roles, investigate the matter, and safeguard human rights. Religious and civil society institutions were also urged to stand in solidarity with the Diocese of Masaka and all victims of enforced disappearance .
UCLS concluded by warning that the abduction and secret detention of any citizen is an attack on the Constitution and the moral fabric of the nation, reaffirming their solidarity with Fr. Ssekabira and their commitment to justice, legality, and human dignity in Uganda .
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