Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest who had been detained for weeks following his arrest by Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers in Masaka District earlier this month, has appeared before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court for the first time.

However, the presiding magistrate, Abdallah Kayiza, remanded Fr. Ssekabira until January 21, 2026, after ruling that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the money laundering case.

Fr. Ssekabira is accused of money laundering, with prosecutors alleging that he concealed Shs500 million, which the state claims he knew or suspected to be proceeds of crime. The charge is brought under provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Court documents indicate that the alleged offence relates to financial transactions carried out over a period spanning several years, though details of the prosecution’s evidence were not presented during the brief appearance, as the court did not take plea.

The priest’s court appearance comes after weeks of public uncertainty over his whereabouts. Early this month, reports circulated on social media claiming he had been abducted by armed men believed to be soldiers. The Uganda Police Force later said it was verifying the reports.

Subsequently, the UPDF confirmed that Fr. Ssekabira was in lawful custody, stating that he had been arrested over alleged involvement in what the military described as “violent subversive activities against the state.” The military did not initially disclose that he would face financial crime charges.

Fr. Ssekabira will remain on remand as the state prepares to take the case to a court with competent jurisdiction to hear money laundering offences. There was no immediate comment from his lawyers or from the Catholic Church following the court session.

A tragic train–vehicle collision at the Wankoko level crossing in Bugolobi has claimed the life of an American missionary, Savannah Gardner, Ugandan authorities have confirmed.

According to a statement issued by Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), the accident occurred on the evening of Friday, December 19, at about 5:37pm, involving a commuter train travelling from Kampala to Namanve and a private motor vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration number UBF 582X.

URC said the level crossing was manned by both Railway Police and URC staff at the time, and traffic on all approaches had been halted to allow the train to pass. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle attempted to cross the railway line, resulting in a collision with the oncoming train.

Savannah Gardner died at the scene. Her husband, Matthew Gardner, sustained internal injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital. Their two young children, Jedidiah (4) and Mason (1), were not injured.

The Gardner family are missionaries serving in Uganda under Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI). A prayer appeal shared by fellow missionaries said Savannah “went to Heaven instantly,” while noting that Matthew remains hospitalised but in stable condition.

URC said it has launched internal investigations and is cooperating fully with the Uganda Police Force to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the late Savannah Gardner,” URC said in its statement, while urging all road users to exercise extreme caution when approaching railway crossings.

The incident has renewed public attention on road and rail safety in Kampala, particularly at level crossings along busy urban routes.

Watoto Church has announced major measures to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organised Christmas Cantata for attendees this year. With thousands expected to attend, the church is working closely with the Uganda Police Force and city authorities to strengthen security, traffic management, and public order during the festive season.

Speaking at a press briefing, Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, Senior Pastor and Team Leader at Watoto Church, said:

“We desire to create a safe and joyful experience for every person who attends this year’s Cantata. With strong support from the Uganda Police and other city authorities, we are confident that everyone will enjoy attending Christmas Cantata with peace and ease.”

The 2025 Cantata, themed “Son of God,” will take place outdoors for the first time at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, running from 17 to 22 December. This year’s edition promises to be larger than ever, accommodating thousands of attendees per night.

Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, affirmed that the force is fully prepared to provide security for the event. He urged attendees to strictly follow traffic guidelines that will be communicated ahead of and during the celebration.

“As this will be the church’s first outdoor Christmas celebration, we call upon all attendees to strictly follow the traffic guidelines that will be communicated,” Owoyesigyire said.

The church’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to ensuring that Kampala residents can enjoy the Cantata safely, while the collaboration with law enforcement is expected to streamline movement, prevent congestion, and maintain public order throughout the week-long festive celebration.

Safeboda and Karis Medical have also partnered with Watoto to ensure seamless movement and free medical services respectively.

Watoto Church’s Christmas Cantata has become a landmark event in Kampala, combining music, dance, and drama to share the timeless message of God’s love, and this year’s outdoor setting is anticipated to create an even more memorable experience for the city’s residents.