The Masaka High Court has granted Shs15 million cash bail to Reverend Father Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Masaka-based Catholic priest who has been in custody for more than two months in connection with money laundering charges.

The bail ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Masaka resident judge Justice Victoria Nakintu, who stated that the prosecution had not presented sufficient reasons to keep the accused in continued detention while investigations are still ongoing.

Justice Nakintu held that the state had failed to demonstrate that Fr Ssekabira would interfere with investigations or fail to return to court if temporarily released.

Fr Ssekabira had earlier been denied bail on January 27, after the prosecution argued that the matter should proceed under an expedited trial process.

However, during the latest hearing, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Brian Kalinaki informed court that the state required more time to finalize investigations. He told the court that part of the evidence needed was expected from outside Uganda, and maintained that the prosecution was still operating within the legally allowed timeframe to complete its inquiries. By

In granting bail, court accepted three sureties presented by the accused, including Rev. Fr Dr Jude Juuko, the Chancellor of Masaka Catholic Diocese, Joseph Ssewungu, the Member of Parliament for Kalungu West, and the priest’s brother, Andrew Matovu Kabulasoke. 

Court also ordered Fr Ssekabira to deposit his passport with the court and to report to the Masaka High Court Registrar once every month as part of his bail conditions.

In her ruling, Justice Nakintu noted that the accused had shown he has a fixed place of residence and a known workplace, making him traceable if required. She also said the sureties presented were substantial enough to ensure he returns to court when summoned.

Fr Ssekabira was arrested on December 3 and later charged with money laundering. Prosecutors allege that he concealed Shs500 million by presenting himself as the owner of funds which the state claims were proceeds of crime. The prosecution further alleges that the offences were committed between 2023 and 2025 in locations within and outside Uganda, and that other suspects connected to the case are still at large.

The defence has denied wrongdoing and maintains that their client is prepared to respond to the allegations in court.

Following the ruling, some supporters and members of the clergy who attended the hearing were seen celebrating outside the court premises.

The case remains under investigation and is expected to return to court on a date to be communicated by the registrar.

URN