Papal knight Malokweza remembered for zealous involvement in Church development projects

WAKISO - Tributes have been paid to Chevalier Tofiri Kivumbi Malokweza, the veteran civil engineer, trader, Papal Knight and Catholic philanthropist who died at his home in Nabweru, Wakiso district on Saturday (August 16) at the age of 97.

Malokweza’s praises were delivered during his funeral mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

The deceased ecclesial philanthropist was praised with even greater admiration by the parish priest of Bwayiisa, the Rev. Msgr. John Baptist Ssebayigga, who spoke highly of his zealous involvement in the development projects of the Church.

According to Ssebayigga, Malokweza single-handedly built the first church at the shrine of Kalala Nalumansi at Kazo, in Kawempe Division.

He also contributed enormously to the new bigger church, which is under construction but is about to be completed. Kalala Nalumansi was a daughter of King Muteesa I of Buganda, who was killed on account of her conversion to Catholicism.

The Late Chevalier Tofiri Kivumbi Malokweza. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Malokweza also contributed generously towards the construction of St. Kizito Catholic parish church in the mid-1980s.  According to Ssebayjgga, Malokweza contributed all the bricks that were used to construct the church.

“He loved the Church with all his heart and soul. He always supported the projects of the Church with great zeal. He was proud of the Catholic faith and was never shy about it. Every time, everywhere, he would have his big Rosary and cross with him. He was a very neat and dignified man. Interestingly, he was humble,” Ssebayigga said.

In his condolence message delivered for him by the speaker of the great Buganda Lukiiko (parliament), Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga praised Malokweza for his commitment to Buganda.

He acknowledged with even greater gratitude the services that Malokweza rendered to the kingdom when he was a member of the Buganda Lukiiko, and later, when he became the County Chief of Kyaddondo (Kaggo). He said the death of Malokweza had left a vacuum in the kingdom.

“He was a member of the first Buganda Lukiiko after the restoration of the kingdom in the 1990s. He was deeply committed to the kingdom and its service. He inspired many young people to join kingdom service.

He was passionate about social service. He loved to improve the social welfare of the people.

“He connected the people of Kyaddondo to the kingdom. He always kept the people informed about the kingdom and its programmes. He loved the kingdom and the Kabaka and served him until death,” read the Katikkiro’s message.

Chevalier Malokweza's children lay a wreath on the casket containing his remains. This was during the deceased's funeral mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Joe Kivumbi, who spoke on behalf of the children, spoke highly of his dad, describing him as a loving father and devoted Catholic who always prioritised his family and his faith.

He praised him for his integrity and commitment to truth, justice and transparency. He said his father was so devoted to the Catholic Church that he made 13 pilgrimages to Rome.

Earlier during mass, the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere (who presided over the mass) also spoke highly of Chevalier Malokweza’s commitment to the Church, Buganda and Uganda. He urged the children, relatives and friends to emulate his good deeds.

Ssemogerere thanked the deceased’s wife, Lady Ruth Ndagre Malokweza, for taking care of her husband and also keeping the marriage with him for over 60 years.

The funeral mass was graced by many dignitaries from for the Buganda kingdom, including the Katikkiro Emeritus Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemogerere, Engineer John Baptist Walusimbi, Hon. Dennis Walusimbi, Ambassador Emmanuel Ssendawula, Hon. Coltilda Nakate Kikomeko, Nalinnya Sarah Kagere, Owekitiibwa Bbaale Mugera, the Kangaawo Ronald Mulondo and Dr Robert Ssebunnya, just to name a few.

Politicians, including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Hon. John Ken Lukyamuzi, Engineer Ronald Balimwezo and the Rubaga Division Chairman Zacchy Mberaze Mawula also attended the mass.

Diplomats, including Prof. Matia Ssemakula Kiwanuka, also graced the function, whose dignity was even more enhanced by the spectacle of close to ten Papal Knights.