Msgr Kalumba’s priestly golden jubilee fundraising dinner generates sh130m
Msgr Kalmba was overwhelmed by the immense love that Christians showed him.
Msgr Gerald Kalumba delivering his thanksgiving speech during the fundraising dinner for his 50th priestly anniversary celebration at Protea Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Photos by Mathias Mazinga)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
The highly respected parish-priest of Christ the King Church Kampala, the Rt Rev Msgr Gerald Kalumba must be counted among the highly favoured Prelates of the Catholic Church.
When his parishioners learnt that he had clocked 50 years in priesthood, they decided to organise for him a befitting celebration. They then made a budget of about Ugx150m for the function.
As a means of getting the money, they organised a fundraising dinner at Protea Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Msgr Gerald Kalumba (wearing a white cassock, fourth-left) sharing a light moment with members of Christ the King Choir. 
Even before the event unfolded, you could easily acknowledge the immense love the Christians of Christ the King Church have for Msgr Kalumba. The turn-up was so huge that the ushers were forced to bring more chairs into the hall.
The function kicked off with welcoming remarks from the Chairman of the organising committee, Mr Deo Kasozi Walukaali, who encouraged the Christians to reciprocate to Msgr Kalumba’s dedicated service to the parish and the Church in general by donating generously towards his sacerdotal golden jubilee function.
And the people responded appropriately, making pledges (and cash donations) of sh6m, sh5m, sh2m, sh1m, and sh0.5m.
The prominent donors included Dr Rtn Emmanuel Katongole (sh5m), Bank of Uganda Catholic Community (sh3m), FUFA Catholic Community (sh2m), the Franciscan Choir (sh5m), Friends of Fr Jacob Ssebayigga (sh5m), Pax Insurance (sh2m), Centenary Bank (sh5m), Agnes and Felix Nsimoomwe (sh2m and a he-goat), Alex Isagara (sh1m), Joseph Balikuddembe (sh1m).
The others included Christ the King Workers Credit Scheme (sh2m), Christ the King Legionaries (sh1m), Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir (sh1.5m), Engineer Kalule (sh2m), M Patrick Birungi (sh4m), Bernard Ochola (sh1m), Dr Christopher Ndoleriire and other medical practicing family members (sh6m), Charles Mbiire (sh5m).
Msgr Gerald Kalumba (wearing a white cassock, second-right) sharing a light moment with the representatives of FUFA Catholic Community.
More donations came from the Parliamentary Chaplaincy, Catholic Lawyers Association, Matheresa Microfinance, and several other organisations and people of goodwill.
By the close of the function, a total of sh130m had been realized in cash and pledges.
Msgr Kalmba was overwhelmed by the immense love that Christians showed him. Earlier, various speakers had spoken highly of him, describing him as a humble and modest priest of the Catholic Church, who had led the parish so well and made every parishioner feel loved and valued.
The speakers had also praised Kalumba for constructing the magnificent sh20b new Christ the King Church without inconveniencing the parishioners, and for his super/honest stewardship of the parish’s finances.
Interestingly, Kalumba was reluctant to take the praises. He instead though the credit back to the parishioners who he said gave him the inspiration to serve them.
“How can I see you coming to the church as early as 5:00am and I remain in bed? My team and I would be lazy if we don’t serve you. You say I am modest? Well, if modesty means that I don’t use money that is not mine, or if it means I don’t want to use church money wrongly, probably I am.”
The President of the Catholic lawyers, Nicholas Ecimu announcing his pledge.
Kalumba later thanked the Christians for entrusting him with their money, and for being patient and supportive during the construction of the new church.
Msgr. Kalumba’s celebration will take place on May 17, 2025. This means that those who want to support him still have the opportunity to contribute.
You can make your contribution through mobile money.
Airtel Money: 075 0 932 114
MTN Money: 077 2 886 837
(Both numbers will bring the name: Gerald Kitatta Kalumba
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