Cardinal Wamala hosts Masaka Catholic faithful
The former Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Cardinal Wamala, has been out of public limelight since July 2017, after his aides suggested an eased schedule.
Some members of council of laity Masaka Diocese pose for photography with Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala at his residence on Wednesday August 27, 2025. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)
By Juliet Anna Lukwago
Journalists @New Vision
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“I thank you for finding time to come visit me and for the gifts you have given me. In special way, I wish to express my gratitude to you for the valuable service you render to our church and country,” remarked Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala while meeting a group from Masaka Diocese district whom he hosted earlier today ( August 27th).
The group led by the Head of Laity Masaka Diocese, Regina Nalubega Kittaka, were meeting the 98-year-old Catholic leader at the priests' centre Nsambya, the home of elderly clergy.
Her team included: Pokino, Kabaka’s chief, Jude Muleke, members of the council of laity in the diocese, Deputy RDC Kyotera, Matia Kakungube Mulindwa, their chaplain, Msgr Lubega and others.
Moving with the aid of a walking stick in his right hand, Wamala welcomed the team during the interaction and thanked his guests for the good service rendered to the church. 
Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala receives award from Head of Laity of Masaka Diocese, Regina Nalubega Kittaka and council member as visiting him at residence on Wednesday August 27, 2025. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)
During the 25-minute engagement, the guests presented to the Cardinal a progressive report on some of the projects he started in Masaka.
These include the Cardinal Wamala museum, commissioned in 2020 by President Yoweri Museveni.
Situated Wamala's birthplace in Kamaggwa village in Kyotera district, the facility houses a library and a rich collection of an assortment of items such as photographs, pastoral letters, religious souvenirs, books, as well as the Cardinal’s biography.
Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala receives award from Head of Laity of Masaka Diocese, Regina Nalubega Kittaka and council member as visiting him at residence on Wednesday August 27, 2025. (PHOTO BY JULIET ANNA LUKWAGO)
Muleke said that the museum shows the continuation of the Cardinal’s legacy of education as a trained teacher and as the first full-time Chaplain at Makerere University, media reports indicate.
Private retirement:
The former Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Cardinal Wamala, has been out of public limelight since July 2017, after his aides suggested an eased schedule.
“I am not sick at all, I’m fine, and I was only advised by the doctors to reduce my schedule and rest. The doctors also advised me to limit my interaction with people and get a quiet place where I can rest.” Wamala recently said in a press interview
Who is Wamala:
Cardinal Wamala 98, was born to the late Cosma Kyamera and Theresa Namayanja on December 15, 1926, in Kamaggwa village, Lwaggulwe Catholic Parish in Masaka district, now Rakai district.
He was ordained a priest on December 21, 1957, chapel of the Pontifical Collegio Urbaniano, Rome, by Pietro Sigismondi.
In 1974: appointed the Vicar General of Masaka
He was appointed Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana on July 17 1981
On June 21, 1988, he became a Co-adjutor Bishop of Kampala.
On February 8, 1990, he succeeded Cardinal Nsubuga as Kampala Archbishop.
In 1994, elevated to the rank of a Cardinal
The Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala Archdiocese, until September 30, 2006. He was succeeded by the late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.