HERMAN KITUUMA’S LESSON FOR US
The Psalmist says, that “the span of our life is seventy years, and eighty for those who are strong.” (Psalm 90:10). On the morning of Friday 6th March 2026, ten days before his seventieth birthday, and after serving as a priest for 41 and a half years, Fr. Herman Kituuma (1956 – 2026), the longest African Rector of Katigondo N.M. Seminary, breathed his last and peacefully left this world. We gather tonight as relatives, friends and believers, to pray for the peaceful repose of Fr. Herman’s soul and to thank God for the fruitful life of Fr. Herman. As we bid him farewell, I find it right and fitting that we let his life speak to us. Fr. Herman has taught a lot in his life as a priest and a leader, he taught us a lot during his suffering and he is speaking to us even at death.
I invite you therefore to reflect with me on the life and ministry of Fr. Herman which remain for an inspiration to all of us. The seventy years of Fr. Herman were not lived in vain. Yes, he leaves this world, but his righteous deeds will never be forgotten and his name will be remembered forever. He is worthy to be counted among those to be praised as the First Reading says: Let us Praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations … their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations.” His praises are now filling the media.
Since the passing on of Fr. Herman many people have expressed their admiration of Fr. Herman’s life. Some wrote short phrases, while others wrote longer messages. But all were touching. Allow me share with you some of what has been said of Fr. Herman: A former student of Katigondo of the class 2009 – 2012 wrote:
I remember him for being “more than a Rector, but a custodian of formation, a man who understood that authentic priestly formation must integrate intellectual rigor, spiritual maturity, human development and practical wisdom” ... he demonstrated a rare ability to communicate deep wisdom through remarkable simplicity. His authority emanated from epistemic clarity and lived experience” (Buyinza Rogers)
Another student of the class 2019 -2023 wrote: “Fr. Kituuma’s simplicity was a cloak he wore with ease: never quarrelsome, never excited, he managed the seminary life with a quiet strength. He was a presence that soothed, that calmed and that inspired” (Robert Bigabwarugaba)
Someone who worked with Fr. Herman in the field of farming described him as “a devout servant of God and a beacon of Hope in our community. As a priest, he was diligent in his work, always putting the needs of others before his own. His humility and compassion inspired individuals and his reasonable approach to challenges earned him respect from all.” (Mr. Denis Kabiito)
Fr. Herman was truly human: he was an embodiment of the desired human qualities such as kindness, generosity, empathy and love. He had a good heart towards others. He was a man of few words, but full of wisdom. He always took the well being of all under his care seriously. He could spot talent in others and promote them. For example, during his term as Rector, he made sure that all the formators of Katigondo are adequately prepared and empowered. It is not by accident nor by chance that our teaching staff is composed of many doctors. Fr. Herman had a strong hand behind making this a reality. Among the students, he promoted talent, like music, academic excellence and strength of character. Among the workers, he encouraged upgrading and getting more soft and practical skills. Thus, in his time, many young men and women who came to work for the seminary without a certificate, left with one, some with diplomas, others with bachelors’ degrees and a few with a master’s degree. Fr. Herman gave a hand to many underprivileged individuals in society and made them to be someone. He was always present to sick and the suffering and wanted to see everyone happy and prosperous. May God reward him eternally.
Fr. Herman was a priest and exhibited all the priestly virtues. He was committed to prayer, daily meditation and the daily celebration of the Eucharist. His homilies, always rooted in scripture and the wisdom of the church, were always inspiring. His simplicity, obedience and fraternal love were exceptional. He always appeared among us, not as a commander, but a servant. May Jesus who promised to exalt all who humble themselves now glorify his servant, Fr. Herman. (Mt. 23:12 and Lk 14:11)
Fr. Herman was a great leader with exceptional qualities. He was keen on development. His contribution to this seminary will remain forever remembered: Coming from the main road toward the seminary, it is all tarmac; as you enter the seminary, you are greeted with the magnificent gate, the perimeter wall, good looking structures like the library, Westerman Hall, Kalemba Hall and Stensera Hall. All these have the hand and creativity of Fr. Herman. What shall say about the seminary farm? – the impressive structures in the poultry and piggery sections, the nursery bed, the coffee and banana plantations… all these were inspired by Fr. Herman. Fr. Herman was keen on self-reliance. He hated laziness, dependence and begging. He could not understand why Uganda and Ugandans, with such beautiful climate good arable soil and water readily available in all swamps, rivers and lakes, should continue suffering with hunger, malnutrition and poverty! He could not understand leaders who could not help their subjects use the available resources to make their lives better. He decided to demonstrate that things are possible.
So, he decided to use the available resources of Katigondo transforming them in wealth. He could see opportunities where others saw impossibilities. One of his intentions of engaging in large scale farming at Katigondo was to change the minds and attitudes of peoples. He was once asked how much profit he was making from the investment in the agricultural sector. His answer was amazing. He said: “We have made an impact on the society and communities around. We have empowered people and we have become an inspiration to many.” And indeed, many of our former students and workers, have started similar projects in their homes and areas of work. They do not regret. Many people have become students of Katigondo without becoming seminarians, for they take their courses on the farm.
I always admired the courage and determination of Fr. Herman. But his attitude during his suffering remains a challenge. During the last two and half years of his life, Fr. Herman has given his lessons from the cross. He exceptional virtues during his sickness: I admired his unwavering faith, courage, serenity, calmness, patience, hope and trust. He never complained nor lamented: he was never sad and never had self pity. He never gave up. I believe at the time of his death, he could use the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith. all there is to come for me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that Day (2Tm 4:7-8).
I imagine that he is speaking to us now as St. Paul spoke to the elders of Ephesus: “You know what my way of life has been since the first day I set my foot among you… how I served the Lord in all humility, with all sorrows and trials that came to me… I have not hesitated to do anything that would be helpful to you. I have preached to you and instructed you both in public and in your homes, … Now I feel sure, that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will ever see me again. And so, on this very day, I swear that my conscience is clear as for as all of you are concerned, for I have without faltering put before you the whole of God’s grace.” (Acts 20: 18-27)
I am sure that Fr. Herman would not fail to remind us of St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat” (2Thess 3:10)
Fr. Herman in above all pointing to the teaching of Christ in the Gospel; the life of the beatitudes. He reminds us to embrace the poverty in spirit, he invites us never to hoard anything for ourselves when others are in need; he is invites us to share with the underprivileged and to touch the lives of others. Fr. Herman shared all he had with others, may he now inherit the Kingdom of God. Fr. Herman suffered and mourned, may he now find consolation and comfort with Abraham in God’s Aboard. He yearned and worked for justice, equity and fairness among men and women, may he be satisfied when this in realized on earth. Fr. Herman was merciful, may he now receive God’s mercy. Fr. Herman was peaceful, may he now be truly a son of God. Having endured all torments, sufferings and pain, may he now rejoice in the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Rev Fr Mugagga Tamale
