Christ the King's Kalumba marks 50 years in priesthood

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Christ the King Church, Kampala parish priest, Msgr Gerald Magella Kitatta Kalumba, has celebrated 50 years of priesthood.

His Thanksgiving Mass at the Church on Saturday (May 17, 2025) attracted hundreds of Christians who paid flowery tributes to him.

Among the people who spoke highly of Kalumba is the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, who described him as an exemplary priest.

“He has served Mother Church with love and zeal. He has accomplished many projects, including this beautiful church. He has served the people of God with all his heart, full of faith and love for the ministry. He has been a genuine steward of God's property. As a formator in the major seminaries, he has mentored so many priests,” Ssemogerere said.

Church head of the laity, Rogers Ssemakula, marvelled at Kalumba’s sacerdotal commitment, ecclesial loyalty and dutiful disposition.

“For all the years he has served here, he has been a beacon of faith, compassion and commitment. He has been steadfast in his vocation. He embraced the mission of the church with humility and patience. His service is filled with wisdom, compassion and goodwill. He has offered guidance. With his words, he has always encouraged us, with his hands he has blessed us, with his prayer he has lifted our burdens. He has lived his calling with love, integrity and devotion. The fruits of his labour are evident in the many lives he has transformed. He is a spiritual leader, mentor, friend, pillar of faith and supportive advocate of the vulnerable.  Msgr Kalumba’s service is indeed a testament that a simple life dedicated to the service of others can transform the whole world," Ssemakula said.

John Bosco Kibirige, a family member, said Kalumba had opened the door for other members of the family to join the Catholic priesthood and consecrated religious life.

Kalumba praised God, who he said elevated him wonderfully from a poverty-stricken background to a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. He thanked the Christians for supporting his ministry. He also thanked his successive bishops for guiding him.

Catholic priests helping Msgr Gerald Kalumba (fourth-left) to cut goat-meat. This was during his priestly golden jubilee reception at Kampala Parents School on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Kalumba’s Thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by over 100 priests, among them his classmates/contemporaries such as Fr Dennis Kyemwa, Fr Aloysius Muwanga, Fr Joseph Kakooza, Fr Joseph Mpagi, Fr Joseph Nsereko, and Fr Kakuba Kapia. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Augustine Kasujja also graced the function.

Ecclesial dignitaries, including the Head of the Laity of Kampala Archdiocese, Lady Emily Kitto Mwaka (and several of her council members), Papal Knights, including Chevalier Dr Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa and Chevalier Anthony Mateega, also graced the function. The head of the Ngeye Clan (Kasujja), Omutaka Sheba Kakande VIII, also attended the function together with some other cultural leaders from the clan.

After mass at the Church, Kalumba hosted his guests to a reception at Kampala Parents School.

Kalumba’s factfile

The Rt Rev. Msgr Gerald Majella Kitatta Kalumba was born in Bulembo, Ggoli, Mpigi district on June 1, 1951, to Mr Lawrence Kibirige and Maria Tereza Nakintu (RIP). He was followed by 13 siblings.

He attended Sango PS, Nswanjere Preparatory Seminary, Kisubi Seminary, Katigondo Major Seminary (Philosophy) and National Seminary Ggaba (Theology).

On May 18, 1975, Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga (RIP) ordained him a priest and appointed him to Kiganda parish as a curate. He was later appointed to Katogondo Seminary (1977), Alokulum National Seminary (1983) and Ggaba National Seminary (1986) as a formator. During his stay at Ggaba National Seminary, he also served as Vice-Rector and later Rector of the seminary (1986-2001).

Kalumba was later appointed as administrator of Lubaga Cathedral parish (2002), parish-priest of Wakiso (2006), and later parish-priest of Christ the King (2008).

• He speaks many languages, both local and international. They include Greek, Hebrew, Latin, English, French, Luganda, Acholi, Runyakitara, etc.
• He mobilised sh500m for the renovation of Lubaga Cathedral.
• He spearheaded the construction of the new Christ the King Church and its presbytery.
• He chairs the Board of St Peter’s SS Nsambya and Uganda Martyrs SSS Namugongo.
• He chairs the Board of Caritas. He is a Vicar General and Treasurer General of Kampala Archdiocese.
• He attempted to abandon his priestly ambitions to look after his siblings, but he later changed his mind on the advice of Msgr Bonaventure Sserunkuuma.
• During his 17-year stay at Christ the King Church, he has baptised 745 kids, confirmed 931 young Christians and witnessed 268 marriages.