“Life is a gift from God. There is no merit of my own that I am 90 years old. I thank you all for joining me to thank God who has been generous to me by giving me so many years. I reassure your words of love and your gifts. I pray that we continue to remain in love.”
These were the simple words the retired archbishop of Kampala archdiocese, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, used to appreciate people who turned up to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 16, 2016.
In a simple grass compound in Nsambya, a Kampala suburb, guests from all walks of life gathered to pay tribute to a man of God who has spent many decades serving the church and the country.
There were many notables: former prime minister Apolo Nsibambi was present, and so was former Democratic Party president-general Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere.
Lord mayor Erias Lukwago was there, as well as Masaka district LC-V chairman Jude Mbabaali. Dr Loius Kasekende, the deputy governor of Bank of Uganda, was there too, so was Margaret Nantongo Zziwa, the former speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly.
NRM secretary general Justine Kasule Lumumba and many other historical men and women of letters were present. The guest of honour was prime minister Rukahana Rugunda.
Born on December 15, 1926 in Bikira parish in Masaka, Wamala attended Kalisizo primary school before joining Bukalasa seminary where he completed his school certificate. From here, he went to Katigondo major seminary and thereafter joined The Pontifical University in Rome, Italy, where he studied philosophy, according to a book about him authored by Robert Ssempa and launched on the same day.
Cardinal Wamala was ordained priest in Rome in December 1957, and later named by Pope John Paul II as the founding bishop of Kiyinda Mityana in 1958. He later became archbishop of Kampala archdiocese, replacing the late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga.
When Cardinal Wamala arrived at the venue for his birthday celebrations, accompanied by VIP guests, everyone stood up, clapping. In unison, the guests started singing: “Happy birthday to you x2. Happy birthday dear Cardinal…”
Speaker after speaker described Cardinal Wamala as a humble and forthright man who has played an important role in shaping the church in Uganda. Prime minister Rugunda described Cardinal Wamala as a man whose humility and sincerity is a lesson for everyone to emulate. He saluted Cardinal Wamala for nurturing people in both the church and the political arena.
Pointing out some lady politicians such as the late Bernadette Bigirwa, former Woman MP for Bushenyi, and Mbarara Municipality and now Oxfam executive director Winnie Byanyima, former Kamuli district chairperson Salaamu Musumba and current NRM secretary general Kasule Lumumba, Rugunda said Cardinal Wamala’s mentorship of these ladies is a powerful example of great leadership.
These lady politicians are mentioned in the cardinal’s book. Dr Rugunda then spoke about the political views of Cardinal Wamala.
“Cardinal Wamala does not normally comment on political issues, but when he does, he is sober, and speaks in a manner that is clear, with immense wisdom,” Rugunda said amidst nods of approval from the audience.
“We salute you for your clarity, candor and humility. When he speaks, whether you agree with him or not, you cannot ignore him. Thank you for being straightforward. Thank you for your work for the people of Uganda irrespective of their various affiliations.”
Rugunda concluded his remarks by asking Robert Ssempa, the author of the book: Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala—A man of Humility and Love for All, to read a portion on page 53.
And it goes like this: “There was a time His Grace, Archbishop Paul Bakyenga of Mbarara shared with me [the author] how he fancied the qualities of Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala. He is not divisive.
He respects everyone and values the dignity of every person. Always cautious about what people said of others, Cardinal Wamala would approach individuals with fatherly concern and fraternal charity. In a way, he curtailed rumors about persons. He discouraged mudslinging and character assassinations, on which some people rely in attempts to win themselves over, but cheap popularity.”
After all the speeches, there was a feast of all tribes of foods and drinks. It was a Friday evening to remember and a first for me – celebrating the birthday of a cardinal who was turning 90 years.
julius.mucunguzi@gmail.com
The author is a communications advisor to the prime minister.