A Catholic priest from Masaka vanishes, triggering fear across the city
Fr. Deus Ssekabira, the deputy parish priest at Bumanji Parish in Kalangala District, remains missing after reportedly being seized by unidentified individuals about two weeks ago. Witnesses say the incident occurred at Katwe Trading Centre in the Kimaanya Kabonera Division of Masaka City, along Alex Ssebbowa Road.
Residents describe the savagely abrupt disappearance as deeply unsettling. The place where the arrest allegedly occurred was reported to have tenants who found their doors still secured, a detail locals interpret as evidence of a swift, coercive operation.
Alex Ssenyondo, Fr. Ssekabira’s brother, described the assailants as highly coordinated and covert. He noted that four vehicles arrived at the scene, all with obscured number plates, and the operatives wore black clothing with facial coverings. The only outward signs of their identity, he said, were the firearms they carried.
Another brother, Andrew Kabulassoke, defended Fr. Ssekabira, stating that he had been overseeing a externally funded organization that supports community projects, including schools. He rejected rumors that the funds were diverted for illicit purposes, emphasizing that the money was never used for illegal activities.
The priest’s family has urged government authorities to intervene and secure his safe return, stressing that he has done no wrong.
Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye told reporters that police did not participate in any arrest and that no official report of the priest’s disappearance had reached a station. He said the information circulating online has not been formally documented.
Kasirye advised Fr. Ssekabira’s relatives to file a formal missing-person report at the nearest police station to trigger a formal investigation.
