Fr Tamale marks 25 years of priesthood with papal apostolic blessing
Bishop Zziwa, who was the homilist, praised Tamale for his patience, tolerance, fidelity and respect, which he attributed to his successful ministry at the chancery of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa (wearing a skull-cap) presenting to Fr. Emmanuel Tamale the parchment of the Apostolic Blessing that Pope Leo XIV sent him on the occasion of his 25th priestly anniversary. (Photos by Mathias Mazinga)
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The long-serving chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana, Fr Emmanuel Tamale, has received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV in recognition of his priestly ministry.
The Papal Blessing was handed over to Fr Tamale by the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, the Rt Rev. Prof Joseph Antony Zziwa, during celebrations to mark Tamale’s 25th priestly anniversary at his parental home in Kanziira-Kattabalanga, Mubende Municipality, on September 25, 2026.
The celebrations attracted hundreds of people, including lands minister Judith Nabakooba, former deputy chief justice Richard Buteera, Buganda’s local government minister Joseph Kawuki, the Buganda kingdom chief of Buweekula County (Luweekula), Andrew Ssempijja Mukasa, and Christian philanthropists from the United States of America.
Fr. Emmanuel Tamale exposes the parchment of the Apostolic Blessing the Pope Leo XIV sent him.
Several members of the business community, including Paulo Ssembatya Mulundannume and Peter Ssentale, also attended the function.
Fr Tamale is generally acknowledged to be a meek and quiet priest who is slow to anger and prudent in his choice of words and actions.
During the celebrations, however, several speakers praised him for his humility and his commitment to serving people.
Bishop Zziwa, who was the homilist, praised Tamale for his patience, tolerance, fidelity and respect, which he attributed to his successful ministry at the chancery of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
“Dear Fr Emmanuel Tamale, you have done your ministry well. You understood clearly the obligations and requirements of your office. You dedicate your time to your work. You attend to people and listen to them. You are very patient. Thank you for being kind, humble and steadfast. Your disposition has enabled you to ably prevail over the challenges you have encountered,” said Zziwa.
The prelate of Kiyinda-Mityana also praised Tamale’s parents for giving him solid academic, moral and religious formation, as well as encouraging and supporting him throughout his priestly formation.
He urged Christians to remain mindful of the good things God has done for them, to thank Him when they achieve and to seek His assistance when they encounter challenges.
The Bishop of Kasana-Luweero, the Rt Rev Lawrence Mukasa, also acknowledged Fr Tamale’s loyal and dutiful disposition.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Tamale (centre) shares a photo-moment with Bishop Lawrence Mukasa (left), Buganda Kingdom minister of Local Government Joseph Kawuki (second-left), Lands minister Judith Nabakooba (fourth-left) and Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa. This was during Tamale's 25th prestly anniversary celebration at his parental home at Kanziira-Kattabalanga, in Mubende Municipality on Friday, September 25, 2026. 
Tamale’s sacerdotal ministry and social development involvement were also acknowledged by minister Nabakooba, Buganda’s Kawuki, Justice Buteera, the head of the Nkima (monkey) clan, Omutaka Charles Mugwanya Nsejjere, and several other dignitaries.
A brief on Fr Tamale
Rev. Fr Emmanuel Tamale is the reigning Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana.
He was born at Kanziira-Kattabalanga in Mubende District on December 24, 1965, to Dominico Ssekiziyivu and Maria Namuwonge Ssekiziyivu.
He attended Nkoni PS, Nswanjere Preparatory Seminary, Kisubi Seminary, Bukalasa Seminary, Katigondo Grand National Major Seminary, Makerere University Kampala and St Mbaaga’s Major Seminary Ggaba, from where he received a scholarship to complete his theological studies in the US.
He was ordained a priest by Cardinal Christophe Pierre at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on July 28, 2001.