Six decades later, Archbishop Kiwanuka is set to get a sh3.5b home for his legacy
The proposed sh3.5 billion complex will celebrate the life and achievements of the man who became the first indigenous African Catholic bishop in modern times, a milestone that transformed Church leadership across the continent.
Archbishop Dr.Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka (June 25, 1899 - February 22, 1966)
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Nearly six decades after his death, Archbishop Dr Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka's legacy is set to gain a permanent home through a proposed sh3.5 billion memorial complex in Masaka Diocese.
The proposed sh3.5 billion complex will celebrate the life and achievements of the man who became the first indigenous African Catholic bishop in modern times, a milestone that transformed Church leadership across the continent.
The building will have a museum featuring his works and achievements during his life. Some offices of the diocese will be accommodated there.
Already, the fundraising campaign received an early boost on Friday when Centenary Bank donated sh35 million during celebrations marking the 14th anniversary of the Centenary Bank Chapel at Mapeera House in Kampala.
Presiding over the thanksgiving Mass on Friday, July 10, in Kamapala, Masaka Diocese Bishop Severus Jjumba described Archbishop Kiwanuka as a visionary whose legacy reaches far beyond the Church.
"He pioneered African leadership in the Catholic Church and dedicated his life to education, social transformation and national development. His example still challenges us today," Bishop Jjumba said.
He added that Archbishop Kiwanuka inspired some of Uganda's finest leaders, including the country's first Prime Minister, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and the first Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Joseph Mubiru.
While optimistic about the project, Bishop Jjumba admitted that raising sh3.5 billion would require patience, determination and public support.
"Every worthwhile project attracts sceptics. People doubted the construction of Mapeera House, yet today it stands as one of the Church's landmark achievements. This memorial will also become a source of pride," he said.
Beyond preserving one man's legacy, Bishop Jjumba said the memorial is intended to keep alive stories that shaped Uganda's history.
He pointed to the origin of the name Banabuddu, explaining that it dates back to Buganda's religious wars when Catholics fled persecution and sought refuge in Buddu County. "Banonya obuddu" - meaning "they were seeking refuge" - eventually evolved into the name Banabuddu, a reminder of resilience and faith in difficult times.
During a mass that had tunics and a gomesi as the dress code, the bishop challenged Christians to invest not only in monuments but in people. He revealed that Masaka Diocese has secured eight agricultural scholarships in the United Kingdom for young Ugandans, who will return home with modern farming skills to improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.
"We preserve history so that it inspires the future. Our mission is to build communities that are knowledgeable, productive and guided by the values Archbishop Kiwanuka stood for," Bishop Jjumba said.
If completed as planned, the memorial will become more than a monument. It will be a place where pilgrims, researchers, students and tourists can discover the remarkable journey of a humble priest whose leadership helped change the face of the Catholic Church in Africa.