Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira has been remanded to Masaka Main Prison until January 21st, 2026, following his first court appearance after about three weeks in custody. The priest, 46, who serves as curate at Bumangi Parish in Kalangala District and heads charitable programs for vulnerable children, faces charges of money laundering involving approximately UGX 500 million.

According to the charge sheet, between 2023 and 2025, Fr. Ssekabira and accomplices, still at large, allegedly concealed the true ownership of funds through transactions at Centenary Bank’s Masaka branch. Due to the high monetary value involved, Masaka Grade I Magistrate Abdullah Kyazze ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear a bail application, remanding Fr. Ssekabira pending the next mention.

Andrew Lule, Masaka Diocesan lawyer representing Fr. Ssekabira, said, “We are going to petition the High Court so he can access bail while the case is prepared. We also have a court order directing the prison service to provide him with medical attention.” Family members and clergy expressed relief at seeing the priest and urged government review of the case. Andrew Matovu Kabulasoke, speaking for the family, said, “We are relieved to see him. To our knowledge, he is innocent, and we appeal to the president to review the situation.”

Fr. Ssekabira was reportedly taken into custody on December 3, 2025, by armed men in an unmarked vehicle. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) later confirmed he was in lawful custody to assist with investigations.

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities stating that other suspects linked to the alleged money laundering are yet to be arrested or produced in court.

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