The High Court in Masaka has dismissed a bail application filed by Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest facing charges of money laundering.
In her ruling, Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba directed the prosecution to prepare the case for hearing, which is scheduled to commence on February 10, 2026. She warned that if the state is not ready on that date, the court may reconsider the bail application.
Fr. Ssekabira, who is represented by lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Sam Ssekyewa, is accused of laundering Shs 500 million, contrary to the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and 2025, Fr. Ssekabira, together with others still at large, concealed the true ownership of Shs 500 million suspected to be proceeds of crime at Centenary Bank’s Masaka Branch.
The priest, who serves as a curate at Bumagi Parish in Masaka District, appeared before the High Court on Tuesday.
The case has attracted significant public attention following Fr. Ssekabira’s disappearance in December 2025 after he was allegedly abducted from his office. About two weeks later, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed that he was in their custody.
His arrest sparked widespread reaction, particularly within the Catholic community and among political leaders, many of whom questioned the manner in which he was apprehended and held incommunicado for several weeks without being produced in court.
