Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church under the Masaka Diocese, has died at the age of 69 after decades of service as a priest, teacher and administrator.
He entered eternal life on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 4:30 a.m., leaving behind a legacy of pastoral ministry, education and agricultural transformation within the Church and surrounding communities.
Born on March 16, 1956, to the late Angelina Nanyonga and the late Paul Mujjuzi of Ddegeya–Kitanga, now located in Masaka City, Fr. Kituuma began his journey to the priesthood at the age of fourteen when he joined Bukalasa Minor Seminary.
His formation combined prayer, academic study and disciplined work, including farming, which remained an important part of his life and ministry.
He was ordained a priest on August 15, 1984, marking 42 years in serving the Lord. Following his ordination, he served as curate at Nkoni Parish and later as parish priest at Mannya Parish.
He also worked as private secretary to Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu and taught at Ggaba Pastoral Centre in Eldoret before pursuing doctoral studies in Rome at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.
After completing his doctorate in 2006, Fr. Kituuma returned to Uganda and was appointed Rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary, a position he held from 2007 to 2023.
Rectors in the National Major Seminary all over the world are appointed by the pontifical council of education in Rome with the approval of the Pope.
During his tenure, he served in different capacities and was widely recognized for his commitment to theological education and the formation of future priests.
Fr. Kituuma replaced Matthias Lusembo, who had earlier introduced a dynamic curriculum designed to align seminary education with the needs of society while preparing seminarians both for priestly ministry and other responsibilities in life.
After his retirement three years ago, Fr. Kituuma was recognized as the longest African rector of Katigondo Major Seminary after Lazarus Kabasharira from Kabale Diocese who served from 1985 to 1998.
His leadership extended beyond academics. Fr. Kituuma became known for promoting agriculture and practical skills among seminarians.
According to Jude Nnyanzi, a former student of Katigondo Major Seminary, he was an agriculturalist who believed in transformation and renovation aimed at bringing change to society.
During his time at the seminary, he transformed the farm into a major agricultural center.
The farm became a leading supplier of piglets to NAADS and was capable of supplying 2000 piglets per week.
It also supplied coffee cuttings to Masaka and neighboring districts such as Mbarara. The demand for the coffee cuttings grew due to their short growth period of about 15 months before harvesting.
Under his leadership, the seminary also operated a large poultry project and a modern cattle farm, while banana plantations ensured food security for the institution.
Areas that had previously been idle were planted with coffee alongside flowers, creating both beauty and productivity within the compound.
The institution became a learning site for agricultural students and farmers interested in modern farming practices.
Fr. Kituuma also revived many machines that had been left by missionaries but later abandoned due to changing attitudes toward manual work.
His approach combined modern farming methods with the use of existing technology, ensuring that seminarians gained practical knowledge in farm management alongside their academic studies.
Beyond the seminary, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Our Lady of the Rosary Nabutongwa Primary School in Kalungu, Masaka.
The school has provided modern education to pupils at an affordable cost to parents while offering facilities rarely found in rural village settings.
His leadership promoted teamwork and responsibility among all stakeholders.
Those who worked with him describe a man committed to teamwork, diligence and faith. His ministry emphasized patience, responsibility and trust in God while serving others.
The funeral will take place at Bukalasa Seminary cemetery on Monday March 9th,2026 beginning with Holy Mass.
Body stays in Funeral home till Sunday.
Sunday
1.00 pm: Depart from Lubaga to Kitovu
5.00 pm: Requiem Mass in Kitovu Cathedral
7.00 pm: To Katigondo
9.00 pm: Mass in Katigondo Chapel
(body stays at Katigondo till Monday)
Monday 9th
10.30: Body is taken from Katigondo to Bukalasa
10.45 – 11.45 Viewing the body
12.00 noon: Burial Mass
2.00 pm Burial
Rev. Joseph Lugalambi of Masaka Diocese described Fr. Herman Kituuma as a priest, teacher and farmer whose life was dedicated to faith, learning and service to the community. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma rest in eternal peace. Amen.
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