Fear and uncertainty have gripped Masaka City and the wider Masaka Diocese following the mysterious disappearance of a Catholic priest, reportedly after his alleged arrest by unidentified armed individuals.
The missing priest has been identified as Rev. Fr. Deus Ssekabira, the Deputy Parish Priest of Bumanji Parish in Kalangala District.
He is said to have gone missing about two weeks ago after reportedly being arrested at Katwe Trading Centre in Kimaanya–Kabonera Division, Masaka City, along Alex Ssebbowa Road.
Residents in the area described the incident as sudden and alarming, saying the operation appeared well-coordinated. Several tenants at the premises where the alleged arrest occurred were later found with their doors still locked, raising suspicion that the action was swift and forceful.
Speaking to reporters, Alex Ssenyondo, a brother to the missing priest, said the men who took Fr. Ssekabira appeared highly organized and deliberately concealed their identities.
“They came in about four vehicles with covered number plates. They were dressed in black and had their faces covered. The only sign that they were operatives is that they were armed,” Ssenyondo said.
Another brother, Andrew Kabulassoke, dismissed allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the priest was involved in illegal activities.
He explained that Fr. Ssekabira has been overseeing an organization that receives foreign funding to support community-based projects, including schools.
“It is true that our brother has been receiving funds from outside the country, but this money has strictly been used for community development. He has never engaged in any illegal or harmful activities,” Kabulassoke said.
The family has since appealed to government authorities and security agencies to intervene and help establish the whereabouts of Fr. Ssekabira, insisting that he has committed no crime.
However, Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson SP Twaha Kasirye, said police were not involved in the alleged arrest and had not received any formal report regarding the priest’s disappearance.
“We only came to learn about this matter through social media. It has not been officially reported at any police station,” SP Kasirye said.
He advised the family to formally report the case at the nearest police station to enable police to open a missing person inquiry and start investigations.
The disappearance has heightened anxiety among clergy and residents in the region, with calls growing for clarity, accountability, and the safety of religious leaders.
