EDITORIAL
Amid tensions and jubilations, the Masaka High Court has today granted bail to Catholic priest Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, who has been on remand since December last year over alleged money-laundering charges.
Presiding Judge Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba ruled that the priest had satisfied all the legal requirements for bail, including presenting substantial sureties and showing willingness to return to court whenever required.
Court heard that Fr. Ssekabira has a fixed place of residence and poses no risk of absconding. The judge consequently granted him bail on conditions that include a cash bond of fifteen million shillings, alongside non-cash sureties bonded at fifty million shillings.
Fr. Ssekabira was arrested in December 2025 and charged with allegedly laundering over five hundred million shillings, an accusation he denies. His previous applications for bail had been unsuccessful.
Jubilations at Court
Following the court ruling, scenes of jubilation were witnessed outside the High Court as clergy, relatives and believers celebrated his release.
However, the State expressed reservations over procedural matters and indicated that the case file may be sent back to the Chief Magistrate’s Court as investigations continue
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Fr. Ssekabira is expected to remain out on bail as he awaits further court proceedings.