Wamala’s 50 years in the cassock
Jan 27, 2008
HE is a staunch supporter of moral living, defender of human rights and advocate of democratic leadership. The phrase ‘the greatness of any leader is neither their affluence nor power; but their simplicity and love for humanity’ best describes Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, the former Archbishop of K
By Mathias Mazinga
HE is a staunch supporter of moral living, defender of human rights and advocate of democratic leadership. The phrase ‘the greatness of any leader is neither their affluence nor power; but their simplicity and love for humanity’ best describes Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, the former
Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese.
He has shouldered priesthood for 50 years and it is impossible to quantify his immense impact.Wamala spent the larger part of his years not only educating people in classroom, but also with his lifestyle.
Throughout his ministry, he has been keen on promoting education. He mobilises resources for scholarships and the construction of educational institutions. He was born on December 15, 1926 at Kamaggwa in the parish of Lwaggulwe, Masaka diocese, to the late Mr. Cosma Kyamera and Mrs. Teresa Dimitilia Namayanja.
In the family of 10 children, he was given the name Emmanuel (God is with us).
Two of his siblings died at infancy. But the family was later blessed with a religious Brother (the late Bro. Aiden Michael Nabisubwa) and two priests, Cardinal Wamala and Fr. Henry Kyabukasa.
The Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal, Dr. Paul Kalanda says: “I have known and lived with him since the early days of catechism lessons, at Kabuwoko in, Masaka.†The two met again in 1942, at Bukalasa Minor Seminary.
The two seminarians went on to Katigondo Major Seminary, from where in 1955, they were posted to Rome’s Urban University for theological studies. They were ordained as deacons on August 15, 1957 in Rome.
Among the highlights of their ordination was the rare photo opportunity with the then Pope, Pius X11.
It is a day that forever distinguishes Cardinal Wamala and Bishop Kalanda from others. “I always desired the high priesthood. Priesthood is the greatest and also priceless gift of my life, which I still hold dear 50 years down the road,†Wamala recounts.
The young Wamala attended elementary secondary school at Kalisizo and Bikira, before joining Bukalasa Minor Seminary. It took seven years for him to join Katigondo.
In February 1992, he suffered a terrorist ordeal, when one Saidi Bingo humbly entered his office at Lubaga, only to put him at a grenade-point, in the 20-hour torment that only ended with the terrorist blowing himself up.
As if to liven up Archbishop Wamala’s spirits, Pope John Paul II visited Uganda the following year.
The sole metropolitan of Uganda then, Wamala would host the Pontiff, who on October 31, 1994, elevated him to the honour of Cardinal.
During his 50-year priestly service, Wamala has preached the good news of God with love and zeal. The value for life and dignity of humans has always been a central element of his teaching.
He is outspoken on socio-economic issues, good governance as well as social evils like abortion, homosexuality, defilement, rape, child-sacrifice, political violence and repression of vulnerable people.
He cherishes stable Christian families, founded on the relationship between a husband and wife, who treasure children. Wamala has always criticised individuals and organisations that discourage people from producing enough children.
“Life is a value that must not be determined by money. You cannot know how you will be financially ten years from now,†he says.
Owing to his contribution to the development of the Church, the Christians of Kampala archdiocese held a thanksgiving dinner for Wamala at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, recently.
The composition of the congregation was itself a testimony of the remarkable attributes and amazing influence of Wamala in the country. The guests from all walks of life included political, religious leaders, monarchists, traders, academicians and economists.
Wamala’s attributes
Cardinal Wamala’s thanksgiving dinner at Munyonyo provided his admirers with the opportunity to tell him his attributes.
Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya described Wamala as an exemplary religious leader. He said Wamala was a true man of God, who never feared to say the truth even when it was bitter to the listener.
Bukenya said that the Government had tremendous respect for Wamala and, took seriously anything he said.
“When he says something, we listen and later discuss it. And when we get a problem, we never hesitate to consult him,†he said.
Bukenya also described him as a reconciler and lover of the poor. The Executive Director of Centenary Bank, Dr. Simon Kagugube, described Wamala as a good mentor. He praised Wamala for the role he played in the progress of the bank.
The former Buganda Katikkiro, Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, marveled at Wamala’s simplicity and firmness. He also admired his love and friendly character.
Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia called Wamala a ‘good friend of everyone.’
“His good character has inspired me and the members of my family. My businesses are also flourinshing because of the support of the Christians, whom he heads,†Sudhir testified.
Wamala attributed all the good things he had done for the Church and state to the love, support and prayers of the people. He singled out the late Anglican Bishop of Mityana, Rt. Rev. Yokana Mukasa, whom he said helped him to establish Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
Wamala received a symbolic torch from his successor, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Lwanga said that the torch was an implication that Wamala should continue to be the light of the world, through his good deeds.
He also received a cheque for US$25,000 from Sudhir Ruparelia, for the completion of the renovation works on Lubaga Cathedral.
The dinner was spirited by live performances from local artistes like Mesach Ssemakula, Sylvester Kyagulanyi and Fr. Anthony Musaala.
Fact file
1958: Ordained priest, joins Rome’s Gregorian University
1960: Graduates with a licentiate in Social Sciences
1960-1962: Priest Villa Maria parish
1962-64: Pedagogical course at Makerere University.
1964: Post-graduate diploma in Education Makerere
1964-68: Teacher Bukalasa Seminary
1974: Vicar General, Masaka diocese.
1975-77: Parish priest Nkoni
1977-79: Parish priest Kimaanya.
1977: Made Monsignor by Pope Paul VI.
July 17, 1981: Bishop Kiyinda-Diocese Mityana
1986-94: Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference.
October 18, 1993: Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs’ University
August 15, 1990: Succeeds Cardinal Nsubuga
2007: Retires as cardinal
2008: Marks 50 years in priesthood
HE is a staunch supporter of moral living, defender of human rights and advocate of democratic leadership. The phrase ‘the greatness of any leader is neither their affluence nor power; but their simplicity and love for humanity’ best describes Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, the former
Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese.
He has shouldered priesthood for 50 years and it is impossible to quantify his immense impact.Wamala spent the larger part of his years not only educating people in classroom, but also with his lifestyle.
Throughout his ministry, he has been keen on promoting education. He mobilises resources for scholarships and the construction of educational institutions. He was born on December 15, 1926 at Kamaggwa in the parish of Lwaggulwe, Masaka diocese, to the late Mr. Cosma Kyamera and Mrs. Teresa Dimitilia Namayanja.
In the family of 10 children, he was given the name Emmanuel (God is with us).
Two of his siblings died at infancy. But the family was later blessed with a religious Brother (the late Bro. Aiden Michael Nabisubwa) and two priests, Cardinal Wamala and Fr. Henry Kyabukasa.
The Bishop Emeritus of Fort Portal, Dr. Paul Kalanda says: “I have known and lived with him since the early days of catechism lessons, at Kabuwoko in, Masaka.†The two met again in 1942, at Bukalasa Minor Seminary.
The two seminarians went on to Katigondo Major Seminary, from where in 1955, they were posted to Rome’s Urban University for theological studies. They were ordained as deacons on August 15, 1957 in Rome.
Among the highlights of their ordination was the rare photo opportunity with the then Pope, Pius X11.
It is a day that forever distinguishes Cardinal Wamala and Bishop Kalanda from others. “I always desired the high priesthood. Priesthood is the greatest and also priceless gift of my life, which I still hold dear 50 years down the road,†Wamala recounts.
The young Wamala attended elementary secondary school at Kalisizo and Bikira, before joining Bukalasa Minor Seminary. It took seven years for him to join Katigondo.
In February 1992, he suffered a terrorist ordeal, when one Saidi Bingo humbly entered his office at Lubaga, only to put him at a grenade-point, in the 20-hour torment that only ended with the terrorist blowing himself up.
As if to liven up Archbishop Wamala’s spirits, Pope John Paul II visited Uganda the following year.
The sole metropolitan of Uganda then, Wamala would host the Pontiff, who on October 31, 1994, elevated him to the honour of Cardinal.
During his 50-year priestly service, Wamala has preached the good news of God with love and zeal. The value for life and dignity of humans has always been a central element of his teaching.
He is outspoken on socio-economic issues, good governance as well as social evils like abortion, homosexuality, defilement, rape, child-sacrifice, political violence and repression of vulnerable people.
He cherishes stable Christian families, founded on the relationship between a husband and wife, who treasure children. Wamala has always criticised individuals and organisations that discourage people from producing enough children.
“Life is a value that must not be determined by money. You cannot know how you will be financially ten years from now,†he says.
Owing to his contribution to the development of the Church, the Christians of Kampala archdiocese held a thanksgiving dinner for Wamala at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, recently.
The composition of the congregation was itself a testimony of the remarkable attributes and amazing influence of Wamala in the country. The guests from all walks of life included political, religious leaders, monarchists, traders, academicians and economists.
Wamala’s attributes
Cardinal Wamala’s thanksgiving dinner at Munyonyo provided his admirers with the opportunity to tell him his attributes.
Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya described Wamala as an exemplary religious leader. He said Wamala was a true man of God, who never feared to say the truth even when it was bitter to the listener.
Bukenya said that the Government had tremendous respect for Wamala and, took seriously anything he said.
“When he says something, we listen and later discuss it. And when we get a problem, we never hesitate to consult him,†he said.
Bukenya also described him as a reconciler and lover of the poor. The Executive Director of Centenary Bank, Dr. Simon Kagugube, described Wamala as a good mentor. He praised Wamala for the role he played in the progress of the bank.
The former Buganda Katikkiro, Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, marveled at Wamala’s simplicity and firmness. He also admired his love and friendly character.
Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia called Wamala a ‘good friend of everyone.’
“His good character has inspired me and the members of my family. My businesses are also flourinshing because of the support of the Christians, whom he heads,†Sudhir testified.
Wamala attributed all the good things he had done for the Church and state to the love, support and prayers of the people. He singled out the late Anglican Bishop of Mityana, Rt. Rev. Yokana Mukasa, whom he said helped him to establish Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.
Wamala received a symbolic torch from his successor, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Lwanga said that the torch was an implication that Wamala should continue to be the light of the world, through his good deeds.
He also received a cheque for US$25,000 from Sudhir Ruparelia, for the completion of the renovation works on Lubaga Cathedral.
The dinner was spirited by live performances from local artistes like Mesach Ssemakula, Sylvester Kyagulanyi and Fr. Anthony Musaala.
Fact file
1958: Ordained priest, joins Rome’s Gregorian University
1960: Graduates with a licentiate in Social Sciences
1960-1962: Priest Villa Maria parish
1962-64: Pedagogical course at Makerere University.
1964: Post-graduate diploma in Education Makerere
1964-68: Teacher Bukalasa Seminary
1974: Vicar General, Masaka diocese.
1975-77: Parish priest Nkoni
1977-79: Parish priest Kimaanya.
1977: Made Monsignor by Pope Paul VI.
July 17, 1981: Bishop Kiyinda-Diocese Mityana
1986-94: Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference.
October 18, 1993: Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs’ University
August 15, 1990: Succeeds Cardinal Nsubuga
2007: Retires as cardinal
2008: Marks 50 years in priesthood