The Catholic Church in Uganda is mourning the passing of Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma, the former Rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary, who died on March 6, 2026, at the age of 69 after dedicating 42 years of his life to priestly ministry, education, and service to the Church.
Born on March 16, 1956, in Ddegeya–Kitanga in present-day Masaka City, Fr. Kituuma began his journey to the priesthood at Bukalasa Minor Seminary at the age of fourteen. His early formation was marked by a strong commitment to prayer, academic excellence, discipline, and hard work—qualities that would define his entire ministry.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Masaka on August 15, 1984. Throughout his four decades of service, Fr. Kituuma served in various pastoral and leadership roles, including curate at Nkoni Parish, parish priest of Mannya Parish, private secretary to Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu, and lecturer at Ggaba Pastoral Centre. His passion for learning later took him to Rome, where he earned a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Upon his return to Uganda in 2006, Fr. Kituuma was appointed Rector of St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary Katigondo, one of Uganda’s most prestigious institutions for priestly formation. He served as rector from 2007 until his retirement in 2023, becoming one of the longest-serving rectors in the seminary’s history. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping generations of seminarians, many of whom have gone on to serve as priests and Church leaders across Uganda and beyond.
Beyond theological education, Fr. Kituuma was renowned for promoting self-reliance through agriculture. Under his leadership, Katigondo Seminary developed successful projects in coffee growing, piggery, poultry, dairy farming, and banana cultivation. These initiatives not only supported the seminary but also became learning centers for farmers and students interested in modern agricultural practices. His vision demonstrated that faith, education, and productive work could go hand in hand.
Those who knew him remember a humble, disciplined, and prayerful priest whose dedication to the Church inspired countless people. His colleagues and former students describe him as a mentor who combined academic rigor with pastoral care, always encouraging young priests and seminarians to serve with integrity and commitment.
Fr. Herman Kituuma’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in Uganda. His legacy lives on through the thousands of seminarians he helped form, the communities he served, and the values of faith, hard work, and service that he championed throughout his life.
As the Church bids farewell to this devoted servant of God, Catholics across Uganda give thanks for a life well lived and a ministry that touched countless hearts. May Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma rest in eternal peace.