MASAKA – UGANDA
Tensions and cheers filled Masaka High Court on Tuesday February, 10, 2026 as Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest facing a Shs500 million money laundering charge, was granted bail.
Yet the victory was quickly overshadowed by a procedural standoff between the prosecution and the bench.
Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba granted Fr. Ssekabira temporary freedom, ruling that he had met the necessary legal requirements.
The judge noted that the priest “presented substantial sureties” and convinced the court that he “poses no flight risk” while awaiting trial.
The announcement triggered jubilation among supporters and parishioners who had gathered outside the court since early morning.
Despite the bail grant, the case encountered a technical hurdle. State Prosecutor Brian Kalinaki filed a surprise application requesting that the High Court return the file to the Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Kalinaki argued that the procedure used to bring the priest directly before the High Court was flawed.
