Can a Catholic priest be made a family heir?
Feb 06, 2012
Recently, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kivumbi Ddungu was installed as family heir to his late uncle, the former Bishop of Masaka diocese, Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu at Nsangwa, Bukoto Village. The installationsparked o criticism from people who consider it pagan practice.
By Juliet Lukwago
Why does the Church condone the installation of a family heir when other people consider it a pagan ritual?
Priests, bishops, nuns, brothers or other church members come from your families and everybody has his/her cultural practice.
The Catholic Church does not object to people’s culture as long as it does not affect one’s faith or go beyond church regulations.
Many people think a priest should not be appointed heir
The Catholic Church has no objection at all to funeral rites and appointment of heirs. I have seen many priests and brothers who have been made heirs. For example, I am the heir of my late father Cosma Kiramira of Kamaggwa- Masaka. Catholic religious leaders are human beings like others, who also have responsibilities in the families they come from.
Can family members do last funeral rites and appoint an heir when a priest or nun dies?
We do not stop anyone from organising funeral rites for a departed servant of God. After all, Jesus, whom we follow, made Peter his heir. So, the Church doesn’t have a problem with earthly heirs.
Who can become an heir to a priest or a nun? Anyone can become heir to a religious person. The person is free to choose anyone.
Even a friend?
Yes.
Do priests make wills?
Yes, the Catholic Church encourages their servants to make wills. It is something the Church considers vital. Good enough, many do it.
That is why we never get any conflicts regarding issues to do with their belongings.
Religious heirs speak out
Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa: I am heir of my late father Matia Ssentamu. Being heir removes nothing from my priesthood. This is part of our culture. If God calls me, one of my brothers will become my heir. It is important to respect our cultures as long as they do not contravene God’s commandments.
George Kyeyune Kasekende, a lawyer:
As Baganda, we organise last funeral rites, so that was a cultural norm for Bishop Ddungu. I used to see Bishop Ddungu on TV and listen to him on radio; he loved his culture.
Jackson Ssonko: Baganda respect culture. It helps us to know our roots. So those people making noise about Bishop Ddungu’s installation as heir want to destroy our culture.
Robert Sseruma, trader: The clan members did a good thing. Every Muganda man is supposed to get an heir when they die.
Some of the clergy men who are/were heirs
Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese
Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka diocese
Msgr. Charles Kimbowa, senior secretary to Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese
Fr. Henry Kiwanuka Nsubuga, heir of Late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga
Fr. Dennis Ssebuggwawo, the chaplain of Uganda Martyrs Namugongo