Fr Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese granted bail

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Masaka High Court, after the resident Judge granted bail to Rev. Fr Dues Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese, who is facing money laundering charges. 

Justice Victoria Nakintu, the resident High Court Judge, granted bail to the Catholic priest after finding that the state was not ready for the prosecution's hearing of the case.

Sekabira has been on remand since December 23 last year. The Defence lawyer, Sam Ssekyewa, raised several issues, including human rights violations against Fr Ssekabira.

A packed court room with huge numbers, including the clergy, nuns and laity leaders from Masaka Diocese. (Courtesy)

In her ruling earlier today (February 10) before a packed courtroom with huge numbers, including the clergy, nuns and laity leaders from Masaka Diocese, Justice Nakintu demanded the retention of Fr Ssekabira's passport and a cash bail of sh15m.

Court passed a non-cash bail term for the sureties, who included the Kalungu West MP, Joseph Gonzanga, Masaka Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr Charles Jude Sonko and Andrew Matovu, a brother of Fr Ssekabira.

The state had earlier objected to the bail application of Fr Ssekabira on grounds that he would interfere with the prosecution process and investigation, describing the case as of high public interest.  

The state also noted that the court lacked jurisdiction. Justice Nakintu had cautioned the prosecution to prepare for the hearing of the matter in the criminal session.

Court heard that Fr Ssekabira, facing money laundering charges to the tune of sh500m, is a director of the Masaka-based Universal Education Organisation, which also provides counselling services and charitable support to HIV affected needy children.

State alleges that Fr Ssekabira and others, still at large between 2023 and 2025 at the Centenary Bank branch in Masaka, intentionally concealed the true ownership of sh500m, knowing or suspecting such a property to be proceeds of crime.

He was accordingly arrested and remanded to Masaka Central government prison after he denied the charges.

Fr Ssekabira was a former chaplain for the youth in Masaka Diocese before he was transferred to Bumanje Islands in Kalangala district