In a shocking reminder of Uganda’s tumultuous past, the abduction of Fr. Deusdedit Sekabira underscores a grave threat to the rule of law and individual liberties that many thought were behind us.
The priest was taken from his Masaka office on December 3 by armed men driving unmarked vehicles, evoking chilling memories of state-sponsored kidnappings. As details emerge, it becomes increasingly evident that this incident is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of unlawful detentions and violations of human rights under the guise of national security.
Fr. Sekabira’s case is emblematic of a systematic erosion of trust in the very institutions meant to protect the populace. The initial denial of involvement by local police reveals a concerning disarray within Uganda’s law enforcement and military framework.
The assertion by the army that they arrested the priest for “subversive activities”— with vague allegations connected to his school funded by foreign benefactors—merely adds layers to the confusion and fear surrounding this incident.
One cannot help but ask: what constitutes a legitimate arrest? The constitution of Uganda allows any citizen to apprehend another, albeit with clear procedures that must be followed.
In this case, the absent identification, lack of due process, and failure to disclose the whereabouts of Fr. Sekabira all point to an unsettling reality: the military is operating outside the bounds of the law, masquerading as an arbiter of justice while committing outright acts of abduction.
The surroundings of Fr. Sekabira’s abduction— combat-ready assailants dressed like ninjas— further illustrate the blatant disregard for human rights. When those tasked with upholding the law tread into the territory of fear and intimidation, the implications for society are devastating.
As citizens, we deserve clarity and accountability from those in positions of power. Neither the police nor the army should operate in shadows; they must be held to the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct.
This troubling episode also resonates with other instances of abduction, such as the case of Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, who was forcibly returned from Nairobi and continues to face stalled judicial proceedings.
Reports of young members of opposition parties, such as NUP, vanishing without a trace or being imprisoned on fabricated charges paint a picture of a society spiraling into a state of fear and repression.
When President Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986, he vowed to usher in a new era—a “fundamental change” of governance built on the pillars of human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
Years on, it is painfully clear that these promises have faded into empty rhetoric. Instead of safeguarding the freedoms of Ugandan citizens, we are witnessing the resurgence of practices that echo the darkest days of our history.
Why has this country, once heralded as a beacon of hope and resilience, allowed its forces to return to the very tactics it once fought against? The military—all too frequently involved in what should be civilian matters—has lost sight of its fundamental purpose: to serve the interests of law and justice, not to perpetuate an environment of fear.
It is imperative that we, as a nation, reclaim our rights and demand accountability from those who wield power. The responsible use of military and police forces must be a non-negotiable standard in a functioning democracy.
The events surrounding Fr. Sekabira’s abduction should ignite a collective outcry for justice, transparency, and the reaffirmation of human rights as the cornerstone of our society.
This is not merely a matter of individual hardships—it is a plea for the restoration of the rule of law in Uganda, where the rights of every citizen are represented and protected. Ugandans cannot afford to be silent as injustices continue to unfold.
The time for action is now; every voice raised against these atrocities is a step toward reclaiming the dignity and freedoms for which so many have fought. Uganda should not regress into despair; Citizens should stand resolute and demand the justice and accountability that are the birthrights of every Ugandan.
The forces that sow discord and terror do not define Ugandans ; our commitment to human rights and rule of law does.