Remains of kidnapped Ugandan priest found in Mexico mass grave with 13 other bodies
Father John Ssenyondo, 55, disappeared six months ago in Guerrero state
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The remains of a Ugandan priest have been uncovered in a mass grave in Mexico six months after he disappeared.
Father John Ssenyondo, 55, was kidnapped after delivering Mass in the town of Santa Cruz, when a gang in an SUV intercepted his car.
Police said they were unsure why he was targeted but another priest in the same diocese was kidnapped last year, being freed after the church paid a $3,300 (£2,100) ransom.
Father Ssenyondo’s body was among 13 in a clandestine grave discovered earlier this month in the town of Ocotitlan, said Victor Aguilar, vicar of the Chilpancingo-Chilapa diocese in the southern state of Guerrero.
“Apparently they took him out of the car and threw him in the trunk,” Mr Aguilar said.
“We don't know the motive…you know violence is widespread in the state.”
The disappearance of 43 students after a confrontation with police in Guerrero shocked Mexico in September, sparking protests across the country.
Prosecutors pressing charges against the officers involved claim they turned the students over to a drug gang who reportedly murdered them, burned the bodies and dumped the ashes in a river.
Many mass graves were searched during the investigation but Mr Aguilar said the latest discovery was not related to its search.
Dental records had to be used to identify the Father Ssenyondo, who was born on Christmas Day 1958, in Masaka, Uganda, and arrived in the diocese about five years ago.
Three more dioceses have had to make extortion payments to avoid kidnappings and in September, another priest was murdered in the same state.
“That is the risk we all run,” said Rogelio Busto Juarez, superior of the Combonian order in Mexico, adding that the church community was stunned by the news of Ssenyondo's death.
“He knew he could meet his fate among the people with whom he decided to remain,” he added.
Additional reporting by AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments