Fr. Herman Kituuma Returns to The Lord (1956–2026)
By Nsubuga Joseph Mary
The Book of Sirach exhorts us: “Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generation..men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding… leaders of the people in their deliberations and in understanding of learning for the people, wise in their words of instruction” (Sirach 44:1–4). Over the course of nearly forty-two years of priestly ministry and theological scholarship, Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma was indeed among such men. He entered eternal life today on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:30 a.m.
Fr. Herman Kituuma was born on March 16, 1956, to the late Angelina Nanyonga and the late Paul Mujjuzi of Ddegeya–Kitanga, now located in Masaka City. At the age of fourteen, he entered Bukalasa Minor Seminary. From that time forward, his life was marked by prayer, study, and disciplined work, including farming, which remained an important aspect of his formation and ministry.
Following his ordination to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on August 15, 1984, Fr. Kituuma began his pastoral ministry as a curate at Nkoni Parish and later served as parish priest at Mannya Parish. He subsequently worked as private secretary to Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu and taught at Ggaba Pastoral Centre in Eldoret before being sent to Rome for doctoral studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).After completing his doctorate in 2006, Fr. Kituuma returned to the Diocese of Masaka and was appointed Rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary, a position he held with distinction from 2007 until June 2023. During his tenure at Katigondo, he taught Biblical Greek as well as courses in both the Old and New Testaments. He was widely regarded as a master of Sacred Scripture, a gifted preacher, and a capable and visionary administrator.
Among his many achievements, Fr. Kituuma successfully led Katigondo Seminary through its centenary celebrations in 2013. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the seminary’s sustainability through agricultural and economic initiatives. Under his leadership, the seminary planted more than twenty acres of coffee, ten acres of matooke, and established several projects, including a large piggery and a nursery bed. Inspired by the teaching of St. Paul—“Anyone unwilling to work should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)—Fr. Kituuma encouraged seminarians and all those around him to appreciate the dignity of labour, recalling that even God Himself laboured for six days before resting.
Fr. Kituuma firmly believed that Africa possesses the resources and capacity to sustain itself. He opposed the mentality of dependence on external aid and instead promoted a culture of self-reliance and responsible stewardship. His own life of hard work and practical initiative reflected this conviction.
After retiring from Katigondo in June 2023, Fr. Kituuma travelled to the United States for what was intended to be a period of rest. However, shortly after his arrival, he was hospitalized, and his stay became a prolonged medical treatment. After battling complications related to diabetes, he underwent a double amputation in December 2023. He spent the final years of his life confined to a wheelchair. Despite these sufferings, Fr. Kituuma never lost hope. Those who visited him during this time witnessed his remarkable serenity, resilience, and faith. He bore his trials with patience and remained optimistic until his final breath.
As we remember him, we return to the words of Sirach: “Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations… leaders of the people in their deliberations… wise in their words of instruction.” Fr. Herman Kituuma was truly such a man—a devoted priest, a learned scholar, a tireless educator, and a faithful servant of God and His Church.
Maya His Saul find solace in the Lord!
