Masaka High Court Grants Bail to Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira in Shs500 Million Money Laundering Case

In a major development, Masaka High Court has granted bail to Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, the Masaka Diocese priest accused of money laundering involving Shs500 million.

Relief swept through the Catholic community in Masaka as the High Court granted bail to Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, the priest who has been on remand for over two months on charges of money laundering.

Masaka High Court Judge Lady Justice Victoria Nakintu ruled in favor of the bail application this morning, citing that the accused had presented substantial sureties sufficient to guarantee his appearance for trial. The decision overturns an earlier denial in late January, when the court had prioritized an expeditious trial amid the gravity of the allegations.

Fr. Ssekabira, a curate at Bumangi Catholic Parish in Masaka Diocese, was charged under the Anti-Money Laundering Act for allegedly concealing or disguising the ownership of Shs500 million between 2023 and 2025 at Centenary Bank Masaka Branch.

Prosecutors claim the funds were proceeds of crime, with others still at large involved. The priest, who turned 47 during his detention, has consistently denied the charges.

He was remanded to Masaka Main Prison after his initial appearance in December 2025, following what supporters described as an “abduction” from his office. The case drew widespread attention, including emotional moments in court where Fr. Ssekabira wept during the prior bail denial.

Today’s ruling sparked jubilation among family, parishioners, and Catholic faithful who gathered outside the court and shared messages of thanksgiving online. “To God be the glory,” one supporter posted, while others invoked prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for continued intercession.

Lead counsel Sam Ssekyewa addressed journalists after the decision, expressing satisfaction with the court’s recognition of the sureties and the priest’s presumption of innocence. Fr. Ssekabira is now expected to be released from custody upon fulfilling bail conditions, though he must adhere to strict terms pending the full trial.

The development highlights ongoing debates about bail in high-profile cases involving public figures and clergy in Uganda. While supporters hail it as justice served, the prosecution maintains the seriousness of the offense requires careful scrutiny.

The matter remains listed for further proceedings, with the court emphasizing the need for a swift and fair trial. For now, the granting of bail offers a moment of reprieve for Fr. Ssekabira and his community amid what has been a trying chapter.