She narrates that Fr Ssekabira was blindfolded and whisked away together with his Secretary, Rosette Nakintu, who the captors later dropped by the roadside in Katwe ward.
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Fear and uncertainty have gripped the Catholic parishioners in Masaka Diocese following the alleged abduction of Rev. by armed men purportedly linked to security agencies.
The priest, a prominent figure in the community, was abducted from his office in Masaka city, leaving colleagues and family members desperate for answers.
Fr. Ssekabira, the former Masaka Diocesan Youth Chaplain, currently attached to Bumangi Parish in Kalangala District, has been missing for several days, according to his relatives.
He is the Director of Universal Chastity Education Organisation, which provides counselling services and charity support to HIV-affected needy children in Masaka.
The Organization’s youth coordinator, Rose Nakachwa, claims that the priest was picked from their offices located in Katwe cell in Masaka city by armed men suspected to be UPDF soldiers who ordered him into a waiting car with concealed number plates.
She narrates that Fr Ssekabira was blindfolded and whisked away together with his Secretary, Rosette Nakintu, who the captors later dropped by the roadside in Katwe ward.
Nakachwa said the priest’s captors never introduced themselves to anyone at the office.
She says they have reported the incident to the Masaka diocesan authorities, who are also yet to locate the whereabouts of the priest.
“They blindfolded him and whisked him towards Katwe side. We are so worried about him. We wonder which condition he is in. However, can you hold such a person without a court order or an arrest warrant? If they can abduct a cleric in such a manner, how about us ordinary people?” she said.
The Organisation’s Secretary, Jane Assumpta Nakaggwa, indicates that they are currently living in fear because they do not know the fate of the priest, saying that his telephone lines have since been switched off.
She says that, besides informing the Diocesan administration about the incident, they have also liaised with the priest’s family to initiate the search through various security agencies.
Fr. Ssekabira’s sibling, Andrew Kabulasoke, said they are coordinating with the administration of the Masaka diocese to locate him from wherever he may be.
Rev Fr Francis Ssebyanzi, the head of Masaka Diocesan Information Office, has declined to comment on the matter, saying they will soon release a public statement about the matter.
Lt Teddy Anena, the Spokesperson in UPDF Armoured Division Kasijjagirwa in Masaka, said she needed time to verify the claims.
