MASAKA
Anxiety continues to grip Masaka City following the suspected abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest of Masaka Diocese, who was reportedly seized by unidentified men dressed in army-like uniform earlier this month.
The priest, who was serving as a curate at Bumangi Parish and director of Uplift Primary School, was allegedly abducted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at around 1:00pm from his office in Katwe, Masaka City, according to church officials and eyewitnesses.
Eyewitnesses told Parrots Media that the men arrived in a vehicle whose number plates were concealed and appeared to be conducting a coordinated operation.
“They looked organised and confident. They did not introduce themselves, but they behaved like security operatives,” said Rose Nakachwa, a youth leader who witnessed the incident.
She said Fr. Ssekabira was forcefully taken away while his secretary, Rosette Nakintu, was also briefly seized before being dropped off a short distance away.
“They blindfolded him and drove off very fast. We were left shocked and helpless,” Nakachwa said.
Diocese speaks out
In a statement issued on December 13, the Masaka Diocese Bishop, Rt Rev Serverus Jjumba, confirmed the priest’s disappearance, describing it as “a grievous wound” to the Church and the wider community.
“All efforts to locate him have so far been fruitless,” the bishop said, adding that the diocese, together with its lawyers, is pursuing all available avenues to secure Fr. Ssekabira’s safe return.
The bishop called on Catholics to observe a Rosary Triduum in homes, parishes and communities, praying for the missing priest, the Church and the nation.
Family members of the priest say they remain deeply distressed and are working closely with diocesan authorities.
“We are coordinating with the diocese and relevant offices to establish his whereabouts,” said Andrew Kabulasoke, a relative of Fr. Ssekabira.
Residents of Katwe expressed fear over the incident, saying it has shaken confidence in public safety.
“If a priest can be taken like that in broad daylight, what about ordinary people?” one resident asked.
By press time, security agencies had not officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities said investigations were ongoing, but cautioned against speculation.
The incident has revived memories of past unresolved abductions of religious leaders, including that of Msgr. Clement Mukasa – Masaka Diocese, who was kidnapped in 1976 and never seen again.
Religious leaders and civil society actors have warned that unresolved cases of disappearances could fuel fear and mistrust if not conclusively addressed.
As the search for Fr. Ssekabira continues, the Masaka community remains united in prayer, and anxious for answers.
