Cardinal Wamala, 99, wants Ugandans to promote peace — family

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Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala, the Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala Archdiocese, who turned 99 mid-this month, has received warm salutations from his extended family and Pope Leo XIV.

Led by their chairman, higher education state minister Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo, the nonagenarian's relatives (children and grandchildren) threw him a party at his retirement residence in Nsambya in Kampala's Makindye Division last Saturday.

In his speech on behalf of the family, Muyingo paid tribute to the retired cleric for inspiring and guiding his extended family and assured the cardinal that the family members will continue to listen and follow his wise counsel and good examples. 

Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala (wearing a skull-cap) is joined by Hon. Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo (right) and his caretaker, Bro. Leonard Ssekiranda (left) as he cuts his 99th birthday cake. This was during the party organised by his extended family members at his retirement residence in Nsmbya, Makindye Division, on Saturday, December 27, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The minister then put it to his fellow members of the family and all Ugandans to emulate the Wamala’s virtuous disposition by promoting peace and love, even more especially during this season when the country is preparing for the general elections.

“We have come here to congratulate our Jjajja Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala on his feast day and 99^th birthday. We are also here to get his blessings," said Muyingo.

"This day has nonetheless come during the time when the country is politically charged. We ask the cardinal to pray for us to go through this delicate time. All the cardinal wants of us is to promote peace and good relations with one another. And that is what I also ask of you and all fellow Ugandans.

“Today, I can hear many hateful verbal exchanges. People no longer want to respect each other. They speak falsehoods and character-assassinate others. The cardinal, whom we are celebrating today, is a wonderful man who loves and respects all people; the young, the old, the rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated. He treasures all Ugandans regardless of their ethnicity, tribe, political or religious affiliation.

“Let’s emulate him. Let’s commit ourselves to peace. A promoter of peace will not be tempted to whip or throw a stone at a fellow Ugandan. Let the cardinal’s good examples inspire and help us to exercise the virtues of love, respect, tolerance and human solidarity, particularly during the ongoing political campaigns and forthcoming general elections,” said Muyingo.

On his part, Wamala thanked members of his extended family for loving and praying for him. 

He urged them to use their respective positions, trades and talents to improve their well-being and also to uplift each other, and later thanked all people of goodwill who have given him spiritual and material support.

Little Angels Choir (from St. Paul's Catholic Church Mukono) leading the singing during Cardinal Wamala's 99th birthday thanksgiving mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Pope salute Cardinal Wamala

Cardinal Wamala’s Feast Day and 99^th birthday also attracted the attention of Pope Leo XIV, who sent him warm greetings. 

The pontiff’s message to the cardinal was delivered by the Charge d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature (in Mbuya), the Very Rev. Msgr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou.

Bro. Leonard Ssekiranda, the cardinal’s caretaker, read out the pope's message:

“Your Eminence Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala.

On this sacred day when God himself comes among us, may his presence bring you peace, strengthen you with his grace and sustain you in the joys of faith as you celebrate your feast day. Assuring you of my prayers, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.”

Saturday's ​function was preceded by Mass, with Wamala among the concelebrants.