Concern is mounting in Uganda after the army finally admitted to holding Father Deusdedit Ssekabira , nearly two weeks after his alleged abduction. Accused of "violent subversive activities," this case, revealed a month before the presidential election, highlights the worsening security situation and the pressure being exerted on the opposition.

The army's belated recognition

Father Ssekabira was abducted on December 3, 2025, in Masaka (central Uganda) by men in military uniform, according to his parish. For nearly two weeks, authorities, including local police, denied any involvement, claiming they had received no formal complaint.

On December 14, the Ugandan army (UPDF) broke its silence. In a statement, the UPDF confirmed the priest's detention as part of "ongoing criminal investigations." It asserted that the arrest was "legal" and that he would be brought before a judge, without, however, providing specific details about the nature of the charges, beyond the vague accusation of "violent subversive activities."

A tense electoral climate

1. Opposition denunciation: Leading opposition figure Bobi Wine (also known as Robert Kyagulanyi) immediately denounced another enforced disappearance , stating that numerous supporters of his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been arrested or have disappeared recently. He believes these practices are becoming "the norm" as the election approaches.
2. Vague accusation: According to Ugandan analyst Livingstone Ssewanyana, the qualification of "subversive activities" is deliberately imprecise , often linked to support for Bobi Wine and the NUP.
3. Feared chilling effect: Mr. Ssewanyana fears that the detention of Father Ssekabira is aimed at "silencing" other Catholic priests in the Masaka region, known for their open criticism of President Yoweri Museveni.

Emotion and Calls for the Rule of Law

The announcement provoked strong emotions within the Catholic Church:

1. The Diocese of Masaka spoke of "a serious wound inflicted on the diocese and the entire Church."
2. Bishop Serverus Jjumba of Masaka expressed relief at learning the priest was alive, but said he was waiting to "see him physically" and speak with authorities to obtain clarification on the accusations. He also recalled a painful precedent: the abduction of another priest in 1976, who was never found.
3. The Interreligious Council of Uganda , through its Secretary General, Joshua Kitakule, condemned the abduction and arbitrary detention. He called on the authorities to strictly adhere to judicial procedures and ensure that those arrested are treated with dignity and brought promptly before a court.