One of Uganda's longest serving priests laid to rest

By Juliet Lukwago                   

Long-serving Catholic priest of Kampala Archdiocese, Msgr. Caesar Mutyaba was laid to rest at St. Mbaaga’s Seminary Ggaba graveyard on Wednesday.

The burial was attended by hundreds of mourners, some from different dioceses, the UK and the US where some of his relatives and other workmates live.

Msgr. Mutyaba, 90, was the former episcopal vicar of Kampala, Kiyinda-Mityana and Ssezzibwa. He was a resident of St. Mbaaga Seminary Ggaba for over twenty years, where he was laid to rest.

Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, hailed Mutyaba saying that he had left a big gap in the Catholic Church. He asked the priest to emulate Msgr. Mutyaba exemplary life. He called them to always use their talents profitably as Mutyaba, who did so many good things wherever he served the Church.

Wamala said Mutyaba was also influential in the preaching the word of God, which led many to love their religion. He also described him as a talented advisor and teacher to all Christians.

Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Auxiliary Bishop of Kampala Christopher Kakooza, Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, Joseph Anthony Zziwa and others during the burial of long serving Msgr. Caesar Mutyaba at St. Mbaaga Seminary Ggaba on Wednesday, July, 4, 2012. PHOTO BY JULIET LUKWAGO

“Although he was in a wheel chair, he was dedicated and determined clergy, which all of us we should emulate in our service,” Wamala said.  

Meanwhile, Fr. Joseph Sserunjogi, the rector of St. Mbaaga Seminary, also praised him saying that he was a dedicated priest and was an idol to them all. He was always a happy man who never got angry with anyone.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Christopher Kakooza, who represented the Archbishop, Dr Cyprian Lwanga, who is currently in Rome, also hailed him for the great work he had done for the Church and his nation

According to Kampala Archdiocese chancellor, Rev Fr Joseph Kazibwe-Ntuuwa, Mutyaba was born to the late Mark Mukiibi and Maria Bogera of Waluleeta in Nandere Parish, Luweero diocese on May, 9, 1922. He belonged to the Lugave clan.

Pope Benedict XVI promoted Mutyaba to title of Monsignor in 2008 in appreciation of his service to the church

Mutyaba was ordained priest in December, 1954 by Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka. He was first appointed as curate priest (assistant parish priest) at Nandere Parish in Luweero diocese in 1955-1956, before he went to Rubaga Parish.

In 1958-1960, Mutyaba served as assistant Parish priest, Naluggi parish for 2 years, Bujuni, Ggoli, and Kkonge-Mpigi. In 1971, he was parish priest of Rubaga parish.