KAMPALA
A wave of condemnation has followed the alleged abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest, by armed men believed to be members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), raising fresh concerns over enforced disappearances and abuse of power in Uganda.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and church-linked voices condemned the abduction claiming that the priest was taken without a warrant, explanation or due process, describing the incident as a criminal act and a direct assault on human dignity, religious freedom and the rule of law.
“This act is not only criminal, it is a grave assault on human dignity, religious freedom, and the rule of law in Uganda,” the statement said, warning that if security forces can seize a priest in broad daylight, “then no Ugandan ordinary citizen or public figure is safe.”
The condemnation comes amid growing public anxiety over the conduct of security agencies and allegations of unlawful arrests and detentions. The statement rejected any attempt by authorities to deny involvement, delay information or intimidate those seeking answers.
Religious leaders, PFF added, are “not enemies of the state but moral voices and pillars of community life,” and targeting a priest was portrayed as a sign of intolerance to dissent and accountability.
The group demanded that the UPDF and other responsible state agencies immediately disclose the whereabouts and physical condition of Rev. Fr. Ssekabira, produce him before a competent court of law or release him unconditionally, and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of rank.
“Targeting a priest signals fear of accountability and intolerance of dissent, publicly disclose his whereabouts, or produce him to a competent court is he has any case against him or release him unconditionally,” the party demanded.
According to the party, the statement stressed that protections against arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance and abuse of power are unconstitutional, expressing worries that these remain in force at all times and cannot be suspended by military action.
PFF extended the call for action beyond Uganda, urging the Uganda Episcopal Conference, civil society organisations, human rights defenders, the African Union, United Nations special rapporteurs and the diplomatic community to intervene, monitor the case closely and demand transparency and accountability.
“Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. Fear will not erase truth,” the statement read in parts. PFF declared solidarity with Rev. Fr. Ssekabira, the Catholic Church and all Ugandans calling for justice and freedom.
Meanwhile, Masaka Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev Serverus Jjumba has appealed to Catholics across the diocese to observe a Rosary Triduum, praying for the safe return of the missing priest, the Church and the nation.
“I am issuing this communication from Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral,” Bishop Jjumba said, recalling the 1976 abduction of Msgr. Clement Mukasa, who was never seen again.
By press time, the UPDF had not issued an official response to the allegations.
