Cardinal Wamala marks silver jubilee

Milestone. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala (2nd right), Ms Jane Kibirige, the Clerk to Parliament (centre), Masaka Diocese Bishop Emeritus JB Kaggwa (right) and Msgr Henry Kyabukasa (2nd left) during a thanksgiving ceremony in Kyotera District at the weekend. Photo by Ambrose Musasizi

Hundreds of Christians in Kamaggwa Parish, Kyotera District, joined Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala at his home at the weekend to celebrate 25 years as a cardinal.

Cardinal Wamala was also celebrating his 93rd birthday while his brother, Msgr Henry Kyabukasa, was marking his 90th.

Ms Jane Kibirige, the Clerk to Parliament, represented President Museveni at the function.

While leading the thanksgiving Mass, Bishop Emeritus of Masaka Diocese John Baptist Kaggwa said the cardinal spent 62 years serving as a priest, 38 years as a bishop and now 25 years as a cardinal while Msgr Kyabukasa spent 60 years in priesthood.

“People living in this area (Kamaggwa) are blessed. The Lord sent messengers here and they have done their work. It will be upon you and other Ugandans to utilise their messages that they have preached during their time,” he said.

Exemplary leader
Bishop Kaggwa said Cardinal Wamala had exhibited a balanced and exemplary leadership.

He hailed the cardinal for being intelligent and providing right judgment on disputes.

During the function, Cardinal Wamala Museum was also commissioned. Cardinal Wamala expressed disappointment over Mr Museveni’s absence.

“I thank the President for having sent a representative at our function, but I would have felt much better if he had come here because even the inscription on the foundation stone has his names as the chief guest,” he said.

Ms Kibirige said the museum will be a source of history and income to the Christian community.

The former Democratic Party president, Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, praised the cardinal for preaching love and harmony.

“You can hardly hear him clash with government or us politicians in the Opposition because of his patriotism and love for God,” he said.