PRESS RELEASE: President Museveni, Please Release Fr Ssekabira Now!!!

The Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (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 and the growing pattern of repression against civil society actors, peaceful protesters, and members of the clergy.

The arrest and detention of Father Deusdedit Ssekabira, alongside numerous civil rights activists, reflects a troubling and recurring pattern in Uganda. This situation raises serious questions about the willingness of the government to protect its citizens, uphold constitutional rights, and guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

In recent years, multiple incidents have been reported. On 23 July 2024, police arrested more than 45 Ugandans who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights by demanding accountability from those elected to represent them. Similarly, on 1 August 2025, twelve young environmental and climate-justice defenders were arrested. Their only “offence” was seeking justice and responsible governance.

The case of Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, who was reportedly abducted on 3 December 2025 and held incommunicado for weeks, is particularly alarming. His detention stands in stark contrast to the promises made by the current government. Ugandans still recall with hope the commitment made in 1986, when President Yoweri Museveni affirmed that Ugandans are entitled to democratic governance—not as a favour, but as a right. What we witness today appears to be a painful departure from that promise.

The increasing use of security forces to suppress civic voices risks turning Ugandans against one another and undermining trust in public institutions. We remind the police and the military of their sworn duty to protect all Ugandans—regardless of political affiliation, opinion, or social position. We also call on the President to remember his responsibility as the leader of the entire nation, including critics, opposition members, and peaceful dissenters.

Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest are inalienable human rights. From our Christian conviction, they are also God-given gifts rooted in human dignity. The arrest and continued detention of Fr. Deusdedit and other activists constitute a violation of these rights, an offence against human dignity, and a betrayal of the moral legacy entrusted to us by our ancestors.

We emphasise that Fr. Deusdedit and the detained activists are not enemies of the State. They are not the cause of the hardship faced by Ugandans. Protest is not a crime. 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 therefore calls for:

          •         The immediate and unconditional release of Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira and all individuals held in connection with peaceful civic action;

          •         An end to the intimidation and harassment of clergy, activists, and peaceful protesters;

          •         The opening of a genuine national dialogue involving religious leaders, civil society, and political actors on the protection of civic space and democratic freedoms.

Finally, we reaffirm our prayerful solidarity with the people of Uganda. We appeal to the nation’s leadership to act with wisdom, restraint, and moral courage, and to work collaboratively with religious and civil movements to build a just and lasting peace. 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.

Issued by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN).