African theologians demand Uganda free Fr. Ssekabira, detained since Dec 2025, citing repression and calls for dialogue on civic freedoms.
Newsroom (03/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) has called on Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to immediately and unconditionally release Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest detained since December 2025 on charges of threatening national security.
Fr. Ssekabira, a clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Masaka, was confirmed to be in state custody on December 12, after his disappearance on December 3 stirred widespread concern across Uganda. Defence authorities alleged his involvement in “violent subversive activities against the state.”
The priest, who serves as assistant parish priest at Bumangi Parish and director of Uplift Primary School, broke down in court on January 27 when the Masaka High Court rejected his bail application and pushed his case to February 10. Authorities have charged him with money-laundering, claiming he and others intentionally concealed the ownership of 500 million Ugandan shillings believed to be proceeds of crime.
PACTPAN Decries “Pattern of Repression”
In a letter dated January 31, the Pan-African theologians described the priest’s continued detention as “gravely concerning,” linking it to what they called “a growing pattern of repression against civil society actors” in Uganda.
“PACTPAN, a community of Africans committed to the sanctity of life, the sacredness of our land, and the universal brotherhood of our peoples, expresses its grave concern over the continued detention of a Catholic priest in Uganda,” the theologians wrote. They called for “the immediate and unconditional release of Father Deusdedit Ssekabira and all individuals held in connection with peaceful civic action.”
The letter also urged authorities to end harassment of clergy, activists, and peaceful protesters, warning that Uganda’s shrinking civic space jeopardized democratic freedoms ahead of the country’s January 15 elections. PACTPAN proposed a national dialogue involving religious leaders, civil society, and political actors to restore public trust and protect civic engagement.
A Wider Pattern of Arrests
Referring to specific past incidents, PACTPAN highlighted arrests of peaceful demonstrators and activists as evidence of a deeper democratic crisis. The group noted that on July 23, 2024, police detained more than 45 citizens peacefully demanding accountability from elected officials, while on August 1, 2025, twelve young environmental and climate justice campaigners were arrested for seeking responsible governance.
“The arrest and detention of Fr. Ssekabira, alongside numerous civil rights activists, reflects a troubling and recurring pattern in Uganda,” PACTPAN said, questioning the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and upholding constitutional freedoms.
The theologians described Ssekabira’s abduction and weeks-long incommunicado detention as “particularly alarming,” saying it “stands in stark contrast” to President Museveni’s 1986 promise that Ugandans were entitled to democratic governance as a fundamental right. “What we witness today appears to be a painful departure from that promise,” the statement said.
A Moral and Political Appeal
Warning that increased militarization of civic life could drive Ugandans apart, PACTPAN appealed to the country’s security forces to act impartially and protect all citizens, regardless of political opinion or social standing.
“We also call on the President to remember his responsibility as the leader of the entire nation, including critics, opposition members, and peaceful dissenters,” they said. “Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are inalienable human rights.”
The theologians insisted that Fr. Ssekabira and detained activists “are not enemies of the state,” adding that protest and civic engagement are vital expressions of democratic life. “Their struggle is part of a broader effort to secure a future in which coming generations can inherit a nation grounded in justice, accountability, and hope—the very dream of Uganda’s founding vision,” PACTPAN wrote.
Reaffirming Faith and Hope
Concluding their letter, the Pan-African theologians expressed “prayerful solidarity” with the people of Uganda, appealing for “wisdom, restraint, and moral courage” from national leaders.
“The strength of a nation is shown not by the silencing of its citizens, but by its capacity to listen, to dialogue, and to protect the dignity of all,” PACTPAN affirmed.
Their statement added a strong moral voice to growing international and domestic calls for Uganda to address concerns over human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law—issues that continue to define the nation’s democratic trajectory four decades into Museveni’s rule.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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