UgandaToday: Masaka Diocese Raises Alarm Over Abduction of Priest
Masaka, Uganda | 14 December 2025: The Catholic Church in Masaka Diocese has issued a grave pastoral communication following the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a diocesan priest, by men allegedly dressed in Uganda Army uniform.
Priest Abducted in Broad Daylight
According to a statement released by Most Rev. Serverus Jjumba, Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ssekabira—Curate at Bumangi Parish—was kidnapped on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at about 1:00 p.m. The incident occurred at Uplift Primary School in Katwe, Masaka City, where the priest serves as Director.
The Bishop’s letter states that the abductors were reportedly in Uganda Army uniform and were accompanied by a drone, raising serious concerns about security, accountability, and the rule of law.
Diocese and Lawyers Seek Answers
The Diocese says all efforts to trace the priest’s whereabouts have so far proved futile, describing the incident as a deep and grievous wound to the Diocese, the wider Catholic Church, Fr. Ssekabira’s family, and the public.
“Together with our lawyers, the Diocese continues to pursue all lawful means available to ensure the safe and unconditional return of our priest,” the Bishop noted.
Call for National Prayer
In response, Bishop Jjumba directed all priests in Masaka Diocese to observe a Rosary Triduum beginning Monday, 8 December 2025, praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for three consecutive days for the abducted priest, the Church, and the nation.
On 13 December 2025, the Bishop extended the call to all Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill, urging families, parishes, and communities to join in prayer that truth, justice, and God’s power may prevail, and that Rev. Fr. Ssekabira returns safe and unharmed.
Painful Historical Echoes
The Bishop issued the communication from Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral, recalling the unresolved 1976 abduction of Msgr. Clement Mukasa, who was taken on 12 July 1976 and never seen again. “This painful history compels us to speak, to pray, and to stand firm in faith and truth,” the statement reads.
Key Quotes
- “All efforts to trace his whereabouts have so far proved futile.” — Bishop Serverus Jjumba
- “This incident has inflicted a deep and grievous wound on Masaka Diocese and the entire Catholic Church.”
- “We call upon all Christ’s faithful to pray that God’s power, truth, and justice may prevail.”
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#UgandaToday #UgandaNews #MasakaDiocese #JusticeForFrSsekabira #HumanRights #ChurchAndState
Uganda Today Disclaimer
Uganda Today publishes this report in the public interest. The publication does not assert guilt against any individual or institution and will update the story as more verified information becomes available.
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