Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a priest of the Masaka Diocese who was recently arrested by security forces, has been charged with money laundering.
Fr. Ssekabira, a curate at Bumagi Parish, was arrested by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which accused him of involvement in alleged subversive activities.
The army confirmed the arrest, saying it was part of ongoing security operations, though details surrounding the alleged activities have not been fully disclosed.
His arrest drew strong reactions from sections of the public, particularly within the Catholic community and among politicians, many of whom questioned the manner in which he was apprehended and held incommunicado for several weeks without being arraigned in courts of law.
On Tuesday, the priest was arraigned before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court and formally charged with money laundering, contrary to Sections 3(b), 119, and 139(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
According to the prosecution, between 2023 and 2025, at Centenary Bank, Masaka Branch, in Masaka District, Fr. Ssekabira allegedly concealed and disguised the ownership of Shs500 million, knowing or suspecting that the money was proceeds of crime.
He was however not allowed to take plea since the court lacks jurisdiction to hear such cases.
The magisrate, Abdallah Kayiza remanded Fr. Ssekabira until January, 21, 2026 when he will return for mention of the case.
The law
Section 139(1) (a ) of the Anti-Money- Laundering Act stipulates that a financial institution originating the wire transfer that is unable to obtain the information referred to in subsection (1) shall not execute the transfer.
Subsection (1) says that accountable persons involved in electronic funds transfers must obtain and include accurate originator and recipient details with the transfer order.
Section 139(1)(a) specifically requires an originating financial institution to refuse to process a transfer if it cannot acquire the necessary information, such as the originator’s name, address, and account number.
