Masaka High Court was filled with jubilation after Justice Victoria Nakintu granted bail to Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, who is facing charges of money laundering.
Justice Nakintu released Fr. Ssekabira on a cash bail of 15 million shillings, while each of his sureties was bonded 50 million shillings non-cash.
The court further ordered the priest to deposit his passports with the court and barred him from travelling outside the country without prior court permission.
Earlier, State Prosecutor Brian Kalinaki had asked the High Court to return the case to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for plea-taking in the 500 million shilling money laundering case.
However, the judge rejected the application.
The prosecution argued that the procedure used to bring Fr. Ssekabira before the High Court was improper, claiming he had not been formally committed by a lower court.
The state further contended that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to handle the matter at this stage.
Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira is accused of laundering 500 million shillings, which the state alleges he knowingly concealed, fully aware that the money was proceeds of crime.
According to reports, Fr. Ssekabira was abducted by armed operatives in Masaka on December 3, 2025, and detained in military custody for nearly three weeks before making his first court appearance.
The case has been adjourned to the 28th of this month for further hearing.
By; Milly Nayiga
10th Feb 2026
END
