Lubaga cathedral choir honours Kitaka

St Cecilia Lubaga Cathedral Choir has dedicated its Christmas concert to Francis Xavier Kitaka, the veteran pharmaceutical entrepreneur and Christian philanthropist who succumbed to Covid-19 on September 12 (2020), aged 86.

St Cecilia Lubaga Cathedral Choir in action during their Christmas Concert at the Cathedral

The Cecilian choristers staged the tribute Christmas show at the quadrangle of the Cathedral's presbytery on Sunday, December 20.

The evening performance was graced by Kitaka's family members, led by his daughter Fiona Migadde.

Archbishop Lwanga presenting a gift to Fiona Migadde

The choir's reigning Chairperson, Kizza Justine Nansubuga said Kitaka was a passionate supporter of the choir, which was why they had decided to honour him in a special way.

"Our choir had a cordial relationship with Mr Kitaka. Unfortunately, the circumstances of his death, from Covid-19, could not allow us to attend his burial. We thus decided to dedicate this concert to him, to be able to commemorate his legacy in a befitting manner, together with members of his family."

Some of Kitaka's grand-children who graced the concert

Paul Mukoota Nsubuga, the choir's advisor, said Kitaka was one of the choir's principal donors, who contributed enormously to the purchase of the choir's bus.

Fiona Migadde said her father was greatly committed to Lubaga Cathedral, which was why he was passionate about its affiliate choir.

Saxophonist Cissy Lubuulwa and jazz drummer Olivia Kavuba of St Cecilia Lubaga Cathedral Choir in action during the choir's Christmas Concert

"Dad had a special attachment to Rubaga. He was baptized in Rubaga Cathedral and later, he attended Lubaga Boys PS. My dear husband Migadde and I also wedded in this Cathedral, about 16 years ago. We shall try to maintain the good relationship that dad had with the Church."

The Bwanda nuns enjoying the show

Fiona promised to help the choir settle its accounts with Tata Uganda.

According to Mukoota, Tata released a brand-new bus to the choir on a hire-purchase arrangement. The choir nonetheless still owes Tata $10,000.

The Kitaka extended family members posing for a group photo with Archbishop Lwanga after the concert

Fr Achilles Mayanja paid tribute to Kitaka and his family for their enormous support towards the Church's projects, not only at Lubaga Cathedral, but also elsewhere.

He singled out Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Parish Kansanga, where Kitaka and his family have helped to accomplish several projects such as the church's affiliate adoration chapel and the various activities of the Good Samaritan ministry.

The Metropolitan Archbishop, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga delivers his speech

The Metropolitan Archbishop, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga also lauded the late Kitaka for his commitment to the Catholic faith.

He thanked Kitaka's daughter Fiona Migadde and her siblings for carrying forward their dad's legacy of love and commitment to Lubaga Cathedral and its affiliate St Cecilia Choir.