Pope honours priestly ministry of Fr Kakooza, Fr Ssemanda

Pope Francis has acknowledged the good work that has been done by Fr Joseph Kakooza (currently resident at St Paul’s Rest House Nabbingo (in Wakiso district) and his brother, Fr Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda (the reigning parish-priest of Nsambya), who celebrated 50 years (golden jubilee) and 25 years (silver jubilee) in Catholic priesthood, respectively.

Fr Kakooza, 74, is the firstborn in the family of teacher Eneriko Lwanga and his wife Veronica Nalumanya Nalugwa Lwanga of Ggoli Mawokota in Mpigi district. Fr Ssemanda is the last born.

Fr Joseph Ssemanda (second left) sharing a light moment with his brother Fr Joseph Kakooza (right) and the Deacons, Lawrence Luzinda (left) and Raymond Balikuddembe shotly before their thanksgiving mass at St Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya (in Makindye Division) on September 14, 2024.

The duo’s thanksgiving function took place at St Peter’s Proto-Cathedral Nsambya in Makindye Division on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Activities started with a thanksgiving mass that was presided over by Fr  Ssemanda assisted by  Fr Kakooza and several other priests.

The Rt Rev Msgr Gerald Kalumba delivering his homily during the thanksgiving mass for the priestly silver jubilee of Fr Joseph Ssemanda and the golden jubilee of Fr Joseph Kakooza at St Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya on Saturday, September 14,2024.

The wonderful works of Fr Ssemanda and Fr Kakooza were highlighted with even greater admiration by the highly-respected parish-priest of Christ the King Church Kampala, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kalumba as he delivered his homily during the thanksgiving mass (presided over by Fr Ssemanda).

Kalumba praises jubilarians

Delivering his homily during mass, the highly respected parish-priest of Christ the King Church, Kalumba praised Fr Kakooza (his senior contemporary at Kisubi Seminary) describing him as a calm, organised and reserved cleric of very few words, who interestingly has a very sharp memory which makes him remember all his teachers, classmates, friends and brother-priests whom he has lived and worked with.

He said Kakooza was an inspiring priest of the Roman Catholic Church who has done his ministry so well, in great “humility and silence”.

A parishioner of Nsambya, Felix Osike (left) sharing a moment with Fr Joseph Ssemanda (right) as his brother Fr Joseph Kakooza (centre) looks on. This was during the duo's thanksgiving function at St Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya, in Makindye Division on September 14, 2024.

Kalumba later paid tribute to Fr Ssemanda (his former student at St Mary’s National Seminary, Ggaba) for his marvellous ecclesial leadership.

He also thanked the parents, teacher Eneriko Lwanga (RIP) and Lady Veronica Nalugwa Lwanga for producing and bringing up well the two jubilarians and all their other children (numbering 13).

He also saluted the Christians for supporting the two jubilarians and making their ministry relevant.

Jajja Veronica Nalugwa being helped by her family members to cut her 97th birthday cake.

During the same function, the family members congratulated the mother of the jubilarians, Veronica Nalugwa Lwanga on her 97th birthday.

Fr Kakooza was even more emotional as he spoke to his mother, thanking her for all the sacrifices she made for him and his siblings.

Both Fr Kakooza and Fr Ssemanda thanked their mother for the enormous sacrifices she made for them to get education. They also expressed profound gratitude to all those that have supported them in their ministry.

The golden jubilarian, Fr Joseph Kakooza (right) serving his brother Fr Joseph Ssemanda (silver jubilarian, left) cake as Fr Eustacius Lwemalika looks on.

Ecstatic moments

Tears of joy rolled down the cheeks of many people as Fr Ssemanda and Fr Kakooza blessed their mother before serving her cake. Excitement also prevailed strongly as the two jubilarian clerics cut and served each other cake.

What parishioners say

Evarist Bainomugisha (head of the laity, Nsambya parish)

Ssemanda is a man of great integrity. He speaks the truth. He also acts as he preaches. My executive and I pledge to work with him with utmost dedication and take our parish to even higher holistic heights. We salute his big brother, Kakooza for inspiring him.

The silver jubilarian, Fr Joseph Ssemanda (centre) with the Head of the Laity of Nsambya Catholic parish, Evarist Bainomugisha (left) and his wife Hon Jane Bainomugisha. This was during the thanksgiving function of Fr Ssemanda and his brother Fr Joseph Kakooza at St Peter's Proto Cathedral Nsambya, in Makindye Division on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Jane Bainomugisha (resident parishioner, Ibanda District Woman MP)

I thank God for the life and ministry of Fr Joseph Ssemanda. He is an inspiring priest, and an exemplary leader who is also visionary and developmental.

He is the inspiration and main champion of the multi-million, multi-purpose building that is being constructed here at the parish.

But even in each of our seven sub-parishes, there are projects being implemented. Besides being a good priest of the Church, he is a genuine nationalist and pan-Africanist who loves all people irrespective of their tribe, religious or political affiliation. He supports all the programmes that enhance social economic transformation.

Felix Osike, parishioner, Vision Group deputy editor-in-chief

Fr Ssemanda is a very good priest, who is very humble, calm, and approachable. He is also a mesmeric preacher. I admire his commitment to children and vulnerable people. I was happy to learn that even his elder brother is a priest and actually, the two have the same qualities.

Sr Maria Susan Najjemba, family member

I grew up with Fr Ssemanda at Ggoli. I used to go with him to the forest to pick firewood. Oftentimes he would fail to carry the firewood. You know he was the last born and he was somehow childishly mischievous.

Today it makes me happy to see him celebrate 25 years in priesthood. I am also overjoyed to be present as Fr Kakooza celebrates his golden jubilee as my grandma Veronica Nalugwa Lwanga also celebrates 97 years! God is great.”