Catholics pay tribute to Fr. Kabuye, composer of over 5,000 church songs
Kabuye was globally acclaimed for his impactful sacred music ministry, which began way back in the late 1940s when he was still a young seminarian at Bukalasa Minor Seminary.
Fr Dr James Kabuye displays the Apostolic Blessing that Pope Francis imparted on him on the occasion of his 60th priestly anniversary at Kiyinda-Mityana Catechetical Centre on December 29, 2022. (Photos by Mathias Mazinga)
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The Catholic fraternity has paid tribute to Catholic music guru, Fr. Dr. James Kabuye, who died today morning (September 16, 2022) at the age of 92. Prior to his demise, Kabuye stayed at Kiyinda-Mityana Catechetical Center.
Kabuye was globally acclaimed for his impactful sacred music ministry, which began way back in the late 1940s when he was still a young seminarian at Bukalasa Minor Seminary. His talent became even more visible when he progressed to the Grand National Major Seminary of Katigondo, where he studied Philosophy and Theology from 1954 to 1962.
Fr. Dr. James Kabuye (centre) cuts cake with Fr. Godfrey Sseggujja (left) and Fr. Ben Mayindwe (right) during the celebration of his 60th priestly anniversary at Kiyinda-Mityana Catechetical Training Centre on December 29, 2022. 
It was during his stay at Katigondo that he composed the popular old hymn, Ye ggwe Katonda (Luganda for 'you are the God of our ancestors'), a slow-flowing song, which depicts the covenantal dialogue between God and his chosen people - the Israelites. The song is generally acknowledged by Catholic music analysts/critics as one of Kabuye’s masterpieces. The song has a beautiful melody, which is elevated by the rhyming lyrics and coloured chords with which it is stuffed.
Prior to his death, Kabuye had an incredible repertoire of over 5,000 songs, which he wrote in Luganda, English, Latin and German.
His initial compositions were basically Psalms based on the melodic flow of the Gregorian chants that were introduced by the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), who were also his music tutors.
The hymns he composed during that time include Ndi mu ssanyu Lingi (I was glad when they said to me … (Psalm 122:1), Nga Nnungi (so beautiful is this tabernacle) and Ndisiimisaaki nze Omukama (How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me)? (Psalm 116:12).
The born-virtuoso musicianship that Fr. Kabuye displayed at Katigondo attracted the attention of the visionary prelate, the Most Rev. Archbishop Dr. Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka (RIP), who sourced for him a scholarship to do specialised music studies at Luzern School of Music in Switzerland, where he studied Music Composition. During his stay in Switzerland, Kabuye also learnt the German language.
Upon his return from Switzerland in 1966, Fr. Kabuye served the Catholic Church in various positions, which include: Mubende parish (curate), Rubaga Cathedral parish (curate and choir trainer as well as Kampala Archdiocese as director of Liturgy 1966-1972).
Fr Dr James Kabuye (seated second-left) poses for a photo with Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa (wearing a skull-cap), Fr. Ben Mayindwe (left), and Fr. Charles Lugenda (right) during his priestly diamond jubilee celebration at Kiyinda-Mityana Catechetical Centre in 2022. 
Other appointments include: Marian College, Indianapolis, USA (Doctoral Studies, 1986-88), Mubende Minor Seminary (teacher and Vice-Rector, and later Rector (1988-1998), Mirembe Maria parish (parish-priest, 1998-2003), St. Kizito Bethany Secondary School and Convent (Chaplain, 2003-2007), St. Matia Mulumba Catechetical Training Center, Kiyinda-Mityana (Vice-Rector, teacher of Bible and Doctrine, 2007-2022).
With all the above-listed appointments to his credit, it is clear that Fr. Kabuye has had a long flowery ecclesial service in the areas of pastoral work, education, clerical and religious formation.
Interestingly though, Christians generally limit their admiration of
Kabuye to his musical ministry, which has overshadowed all his other achievements and works in the Church. Kabuye’s music ministry oozes overwhelming influence because of its dynamism and versatility.
Kabuye is such a unique composer who does not restrict himself to one sacred musical genre. He has songs in the Western style (classical, baroque, opera) as well as in the typical African traditional musical arrangement.
He also has musical pieces that fuse the Western style and the African vibe.
Asked why he merged the two genres, Kabuye once said he wanted to make all Christians feel comfortable. He explained that when the Second Vatican Council gave a green light to the local churches to use their local languages, music and traditional instruments during divine worship, there were some conservative Christians who resisted the change and wanted to continue with the liturgical provisions of the Traditional Latin rite Mass (the Tridentine Mass).
So, he decided to introduce an alternative genre that would be appreciated by both the conservative and the change-embracing Christians. In any case, Kabuye seemed to have been more influenced by the immortal music composers of the classical/baroque period, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Johannes Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn, and Henry Purcell, among others.
Fr Kabuye shares a photo-moment with Christians during his priestly diamond jubilee celebration in 2022. 
He also oozes strong influences of the legendary Ugandan musicologist, Joseph Kyagambiddwa. Kabuye’s musical works/pieces which have marveled even the European music critics include Ye Ggwe Lwazi, Mutuukirivu (from Missa Yebazibwe), The Trinity (composed for the year of the Catholic faith), Alifuga Ensi Yonna (Jesus will rule the universe), Tukwebaza Patri (Holy Communion thanksgiving song), Tukuwa Mukama (offertory song), Otumbidde, Te Deum, Hail the Uganda Martyrs, Exultate, the melody of the second Eucharistic Prayer (Lord you are Holy indeed, the fountain of all Holiness), the Ganda work, Amadinda N’amagwala Bivuge (which he wrote for his PhD, and also, in celebration of Uganda’s political independence) and the great Te Deum (Latin for thee, God, We Praise).
Memorable highlights
He worked hand-in-hand with the legendary Ugandan musicologist, the late Joseph Kyagambiddwa at the instruction of Archbishop Dr. Joseph Kiwanuka. Kabuye was also a member of the mass choir that led the singing during the Pontifical Mass of Saint Pope Paul V1 at Kololo in Kampala on August 1, 1969.
Other talents
Besides being a musical genius of worldwide acclamation, Fr. Kabuye was also a talented footballer. He was an invincible right-winger who always gave his opponents a hard time when he was still at Katigondo Grand National Major Seminary. Kabuye is also a super driver.
An interesting story is told of him: When he was still a youthful priest, he bought a new car. The following day, he invited his contemporary to accompany him on the road test. During the testing, Kabuye exceeded the normal speed limit, and by the time he realised he was speeding, he had reached the border of Rwanda.
What other people say
Rev. Fr. Deogratias Mugabo, a popular Church musician, said of Fr. Kabuye; “I am saddened by the death of our mentor and censor in music, Fr. Kabuye. We thank God, who has enabled him to compile for us a musical repertoire that will last for ages. An extra note to this great soul for the many mentees left behind in the music industry. May the angels receive him in their celestial choir.”
Fr. Gonzaga Mayanja, a Catholic priest, organist and musicologist based in Germany, said; "Fr. Kabuye is a musical genius. His songs communicate spiritual messages and divine worship moods. His musical works also depict his sacerdotal devotion and his deep appreciation and assimilation of the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. We thank Fr. Kabuye in a special way for writing hymnal books such as Propers of the Mass in Luganda and a number of music education books, including one on indigenous Ugandan music."
James Ssenkooto, Catholic chorister; "Fr. Kabuye rules Catholic divine worship in many Catholic dioceses of Uganda. Many of his hymns are easy to sing, but they are also unrivalled in beauty. In spite of his musical might, he remained humble and approachable."
Catholic Catechists gifting Fr. Dr. James Kabuye during his priestly diamond jubilee function at Kiyinda-Mityana catechetical Centre in December 2022.
Jude Luwaga, Catholic musician; "We are grateful to God who gave us Fr. Kabuye and also gave him long life. Fr. Kabuye has given us a good example of selflessness and devotion in the service of the Church. It is my prayer that all of us Christians reflect on the deep religious messages in his hymns and subsequently use them to deepen our faith."
Burial arrangements
Meanwhile, the ecclesial authorities at Kiyinda-Mityana diocese have released the programme for the burial of Fr. Kabuye.
According to the statement released by the diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Emmanuel Tamale, Kabuye will be buried at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on Saturday (September 19, 2022).