Rev. Fr. Joseph Lugalambi of the Masaka Diocese described him as “a priest, teacher and farmer whose life was dedicated to faith, learning and service to the community.”
When Excellence Raises Doubts: 66 Pupils Told to Repeat P7 After PLE Results Nullified
Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma, a devoted priest of the Roman Catholic Church under the Masaka Diocese and former rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary, has died at the age of 69 after more than four decades of dedicated service to the Church.
Fr. Kituuma passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:30 a.m., bringing to a close a life that many remember for its quiet discipline, commitment to priestly formation and a deep belief that faith must be lived through service to people and the land they depend on.
For those who knew him, Fr. Kituuma was not only a priest and scholar but also a teacher, mentor and agricultural enthusiast who believed strongly that the Church should help transform communities both spiritually and materially.
Early life and vocation
Fr. Kituuma was born on March 16, 1956, to the late Angelina Nanyonga and the late Paul Mujuzi of Ddegeya–Kitanga in Masaka City. He grew up in a community where faith, discipline and hard work shaped the daily lives of families.
At the age of 14, he entered Bukalasa Minor Seminary, beginning a journey toward priesthood that would define the rest of his life. His formation years were marked not only by prayer and academic study but also by physical work, especially farming. These early experiences instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for agriculture and self-reliance.
Those who studied with him during those years recall a quiet but focused young seminarian who showed a strong sense of purpose.
Priestly ministry
Fr. Kituuma was ordained a priest on August 15, 1984, beginning what would become 42 years of service in the Church.
His early pastoral assignments took him to Nkoni Parish, where he served as a curate before later being appointed parish priest at Mannya Parish. In these roles, he became known for his pastoral care, humility and dedication to parish communities.
Beyond parish work, he also served as private secretary to Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu, gaining experience in diocesan administration and leadership.
Fr. Kituuma later taught at Ggaba Pastoral Centre in Eldoret, where he contributed to pastoral training and formation.
Academic formation in Rome
Committed to deepening his theological and academic formation, Fr. Kituuma later traveled to Rome for further studies. There, he pursued doctoral studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the Catholic Church’s renowned institutions for higher theological learning.
His studies broadened his intellectual horizons and prepared him for leadership roles in seminary formation and theological education.
After completing his doctorate in 2006, he returned to Uganda, bringing with him a renewed commitment to shaping the future of priestly formation in the country.
Leadership at Katigondo Major Seminary
In 2007, Fr. Kituuma was appointed rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary, one of Uganda’s most important institutions for the formation of Catholic priests. He served in that role until his retirement in 2023.
The appointment of rectors to national major seminaries is made through the pontifical council responsible for Catholic education in Rome with the approval of the Pope, reflecting the importance of the role in shaping the future clergy of the Church.
During his tenure, Fr. Kituuma became widely respected for his commitment to academic excellence, discipline and holistic formation of seminarians.
He succeeded Msgr. Matthias Lusembo, who had earlier introduced reforms aimed at aligning seminary education with the realities of society while preparing seminarians for priestly ministry and wider responsibilities in life.
Fr. Kituuma built on these foundations, emphasizing intellectual formation, pastoral training and practical skills.
Following his retirement three years ago, he was recognized as the longest-serving African rector of Katigondo since Msgr. Lazarus Kabasharira of the Kabale Diocese, who had served from 1985 to 1998.
A priest who believed in agriculture
While Fr. Kituuma’s leadership in theological education was widely acknowledged, many people also remember him for his passion for agriculture and practical skills training.
He believed that seminarians should understand the realities of rural life and appreciate the value of hard work and self-sufficiency.
Under his leadership, the seminary farm was transformed into a vibrant agricultural center.
The farm became a leading supplier of piglets to the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), with the capacity to supply up to 2,000 piglets per week.
It also supplied coffee cuttings to farmers in Masaka and neighboring districts such as Mbarara. These seedlings were highly sought after because of their relatively short maturity period of about 15 months before harvest.
The seminary also operated a large poultry project and a modern cattle farm, while extensive banana plantations ensured food security for the institution.
Areas that had previously been idle were planted with coffee and flowers, transforming the compound into both a productive agricultural space and a place of beauty.
Over time, the seminary farm became a learning site for agricultural students, farmers and visitors interested in modern farming methods.
Fr. Kituuma also revived several machines that had been left behind by missionaries but had later fallen into disuse as attitudes toward manual work changed.
By combining modern farming techniques with existing technology, he ensured that seminarians gained practical knowledge in farm management alongside their academic formation.
Service beyond the seminary
Outside the seminary, Fr. Kituuma remained active in community initiatives.
He served as chairman of the board of directors of Our Lady of the Rosary Nabutongwa Primary School in Kalungu, Masaka.
Under his leadership, the school provided modern education to pupils at an affordable cost to parents, while offering facilities rarely found in rural communities.
Colleagues say his leadership style encouraged teamwork, responsibility and commitment among teachers, administrators and the wider school community.
Remembered for faith and humility
Those who worked closely with Fr. Kituuma describe a man of patience, discipline and deep faith.
He was known for encouraging responsibility, teamwork and trust in God while serving others.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Lugalambi of the Masaka Diocese described him as “a priest, teacher and farmer whose life was dedicated to faith, learning and service to the community.”
Funeral arrangements
Funeral arrangements indicate that the body will remain at the funeral home until Sunday before departing Lubaga Cathedral at 1:00 p.m. for St. Henry’s Cathedral Kitovu, where a requiem Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m.
Later that evening, the body will be taken to Katigondo National Major Seminary for a vigil Mass scheduled for 9:00 p.m.
On Monday, March 9, the body will be transferred to Bukalasa Minor Seminary for viewing between 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
A burial Mass will be celebrated at noon, after which Fr. Kituuma will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. in the Bukalasa Seminary cemetery.
A lasting legacy
Through his decades of ministry, Fr. Herman Kituuma shaped the lives of countless seminarians, students, farmers and parishioners.
His legacy lives on not only in the priests he helped form, but also in the communities strengthened through his commitment to education, faith and sustainable agriculture.
His life remains a testament to service, humility and the belief that faith should inspire both spiritual growth and practical transformation in society.
May the soul of Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma rest in eternal peace.