By Kabuye Ronald
Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a cleric serving under the Masaka Diocese, has been formally charged with money laundering following his recent arrest by state security agencies.
Fr. Ssekabira, who serves as a curate at Bumagi Parish, was taken into custody by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The military linked his arrest to alleged involvement in activities considered a threat to national security, although specific details were not immediately made public.
The UPDF later acknowledged the arrest, describing it as part of broader security operations currently underway. However, the lack of clear information surrounding the allegations sparked public concern.
His detention triggered widespread debate, especially among members of the Catholic faithful and political leaders. Many criticized the circumstances of his arrest and raised concerns over his prolonged detention without access to court proceedings for several weeks.
On Tuesday, Fr. Ssekabira was presented before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court, where he was officially charged with money laundering under Sections 3(b), 119, and 139(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and 2025, at Centenary Bank’s Masaka branch, the priest knowingly or recklessly concealed and misrepresented the ownership of Shs500 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activity.
The court was informed that investigations are still ongoing. Fr. Ssekabira is expected to reappear in court on a later date as authorities continue to gather evidence in the case.
