Jinja's Fr. Kapia lauded for championing development

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Rev. Fr. Dr Expedito Kakuba Kapia, the multi-talented priest of Jinja Diocese, is now a golden jubilee cleric. He celebrated his 50th priestly anniversary during a colourful function at his parental home at Magejjo-Mwereke, in Mpigi District on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The function attracted many people from various walks of life.

Fr Expedito Kakuba Kapia (sitting on a stool) with some of the members of his extended family during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

For several years, Kakuba served as a Catholic chaplain and lecturer at Kyambogo University, whose community (alumni and staff) dominated the guest list at the celebrations.

All the speakers rhymed in their acknowledgement of Fr.  Kapia as a humble priest of humble disposition with deep passion for personal and community development.

A motivational speaker and financial literacy coach, Kapia also appreciates African cultural heritage.

Proud of his roots, Fr. Kapia, during the golden jubilee function, removed his cassock and donned typical Kinyarwanda attire.

Rev. Fr. Expedito Kakuba Kapia, aged 79, was born of Rwandan ancestry in Ggoli parish (Mpigi district).

Fr. Expedito Kakuba Kapia donning traditional attire during his priestly golden jubilee function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Rev. Fr. Eustachius Lwemalika, the homilist, expressed even deeper admiration for Fr. Kapia’s qualities.

“Fr. Kakuba Kapia has special concern for the people. He recognised the problems that the people in his home village, Magejjo-Mwereke.

Realising that education and Health- care were the biggest needs, he built for them a school and a health centre for the community," Lwemalaika stated.

He also commended Kapia's acceptance to join priesthood, which he described as a huge responsibility.

“We thank him for accepting priesthood, which he has carried with deep faith, joy, zeal, humility and patience since his ordination in 1976. He has worked closely with his bishop. He has also worked harmoniously with fellow priests and the Christians, the reason why he has been successful,” remarked Lwemalaika.

The Bishop of Busoga, Prof. Dr Grace Lubaale (left), pays tribute to Fr. Dr Expedito Kakuba Kapia (third from left) as Rev. Muluya and his wife look on. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

In the elaborate tribute, he added, “Fr. Kapia teaches us to be mindful of the needs of others; to always be ready to empty ourselves for our less advantaged brethren. He encourages us to shun all the things and habits that divide and make us see each other as enemies and potential threats. He inspires us to promote love, forgiveness, reconciliation and human solidarity.  Let us pay for him to have a good life so that he can continue serving the Church and the country."

The function was graced by many Catholic religious Sisters and clerics, who included Kapia’s classmates such as Fr. Aloysius Muwanga, Fr. Denis Kyemwa, Fr. Anatoli Waluta and Msgr. Gerald Kalumba (the reigning parish priest of Christ the King Church Kampala).

Fr. Dr Expedito Kakuba Kapia (wearing a yellowish chasuble) shares a photo-moment with the Catholic nuns who graced his golden jubilee function (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Kapia’s guests were entertained by M-Lisada Brass Band, an ensemble of former street children, which also animated his thanksgiving mass alongside St. Balikuddembe Choir from Kiwanga Catholic parish (Lugazi diocese).

A promoter of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. His golden jubilee function was graced by ecumenical prelates, including Bishop Prof. Dr Grace Lubaale, the Anglican Bishop of Busoga. Several members of the Muslim faith also graced the function.