Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala cutting cake yesterday
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I As Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala marked his 99th birthday yesterday, Uganda paused to reflect on the life and legacy of one of the country’s most influential Catholic leaders, whose service has spanned more than six decades of priesthood, episcopal leadership and quiet pastoral witness.
The soft-spoken prelate, now the second-oldest cardinal in the world, joined fellow clergy and faithful at Kisubi Seminary beach for prayers and thanksgiving. Leaning on crutches and dressed in the traditional red cassock, Cardinal Wamala was warmly received by the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Paul Ssemogerere, priests and seminarians—an understated but poignant reminder of a shepherd who has devoted his life to the Church.
Although he has largely stayed out of public view since July 2017, Cardinal Wamala remains a revered figure within Uganda’s Catholic community. He currently lives in Nsambya, Kampala, spending his days in prayer, reading, reflection and light exercise—an enduring symbol of spiritual discipline even in advanced age.
In a brief message delivered during the celebration, the cardinal expressed gratitude for his long life and for the support he has received over the years. “I thank God for giving me the gift of a long and good life,” he said, noting that nearly two decades have passed since his retirement from active service. He described himself, with gentle humour, as the Ssabawummuze—the senior-most among retired clergy—thanking those who have stood with him physically and spiritually.
Born on December 15, 1926, in Kamaggwa village near Lwaggulwe Catholic Parish in Rakai District, Wamala’s vocation was shaped early by faith and discipline. Ordained a priest in Rome in 1957, he returned to Uganda to serve at a time when the local Church was expanding rapidly and facing social and political uncertainty. His early ministry included parish leadership and administrative roles in Masaka Diocese, where he was appointed vicar general in 1974.
His episcopal journey began in 1981 when he was appointed Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, later rising to become coadjutor bishop and eventually Archbishop of Kampala in 1990, succeeding the towering Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga. During his 16-year tenure as archbishop, Wamala guided the archdiocese through periods of national transition, emphasising reconciliation, moral leadership and the Church’s role in education, health and social justice.
Cardinal Wamala is also remembered for strengthening clergy formation, supporting Catholic institutions and encouraging lay participation in Church life. In 1994, Pope John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals, placing Uganda firmly on the global Catholic map. He later participated in the 2005 papal conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI—one of the highest responsibilities entrusted to a cardinal.
Now, 31 years after becoming a cardinal and nearly 20 years into retirement, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala’s legacy endures not in grand pronouncements, but in faithful service, humility and steadfast devotion to the Church in Uganda.
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