By Spy Uganda
Joy and celebration filled the premises of Masaka High Court on Tuesday as Catholic faithful, church leaders, family members and friends broke into songs and praise following the release on bail of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira.
The priest, who has been in custody since December 23, was granted bail by High Court Judge Victoria Nakintu, who ruled that he had satisfied all the legal requirements for bail and that his sureties were substantial.
Justice Nakintu ordered Fr. Ssekabira to pay a cash bail of Shs 15 million, while his sureties were bonded on a non-cash bail of Shs 50 million.
Addressing the media after the ruling, lead defence counsel Sam Ssekyewa said the court was persuaded that the State was not ready to commence the trial, citing the absence of sufficient evidence to proceed.
“Because there was no enough evidence today to kickstart the trial, the court granted him bail,” Ssekyewa said. “The court imposed a cash bail of Shs 15 million, which we had argued was a bit high for him, but we shall make efforts to secure the money so that he can regain his freedom.”
Fr. Ssekabira’s case has attracted widespread national attention and debate since his arrest late last year. He faces charges of money laundering, with prosecutors alleging that he concealed Shs 500 million at Centenary Bank’s Masaka branch, contrary to provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The prosecution claims that between 2023 and 2025, Fr. Ssekabira and others “intentionally concealed or disguised the true ownership” of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime.
His detention sparked sharp criticism from church leaders and human rights activists, particularly after reports emerged that he had gone missing in early December, allegedly picked up by armed men in unmarked vehicles. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces later confirmed that he was in lawful custody and would be formally charged.
The matter also drew public comment from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who defended the actions of security agencies. The President stated that Fr. Ssekabira was arrested over alleged links to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, and dismissed calls by religious leaders for his release, framing the arrest within broader national security concerns.
Fr. Ssekabira is expected to return to court on a date to be set as investigations and proceedings continue.
