Masaka Diocese is mourning the death of former Katigondo National Major Seminary Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma, who passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Lubaga Hospital at around 4:30 a.m.
He was 69.
In a statement dated Friday, March 6, 2026, and signed by the Chancellor of Masaka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jude Jjuuko, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Serverus Jjumba, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the respected cleric.
“The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, regrets to announce the death of Rev. Fr. Dr. Herman Kituuma which occurred on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Lubaga Hospital. The late was ordained a Priest in 1984. He served as Rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary from 2007 to 2023,” the statement read.
Fr. Kituuma was born on March 16, 1956, to the late Paul Mujjuzi and the late Angelina Nanyonga of Ddegeya–Kitanga, present day Masaka City.
At the age of 14, he joined Bukalasa Minor Seminary, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of prayer, study, and disciplined work.
During his seminary formation, he developed a deep appreciation for farming, which later became an important part of his pastoral and administrative approach.
Fr. Kituuma was ordained to the priesthood on August 15, 1984.
Following his ordination, he began his pastoral ministry as a curate at Nkoni Parish before later serving as parish priest at Mannya Parish.
Fr. Kituuma later served as private secretary to the then Bishop of Masaka Diocese, the late Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu.
During this period, he also contributed to pastoral formation as a teacher at the Ggaba Pastoral Centre in Eldoret.
Recognizing his academic potential, the diocese later sent him to Rome for further studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, where he pursued doctoral studies.
After completing his doctorate in 2006, Fr. Kituuma returned to the Diocese of Masaka and in 2007 was appointed Rector of Katigondo National Major Seminary.
Fr. Kituuma served as rector for 16 years, from 2007 until June 2023, a tenure widely praised for its academic strength and administrative transformation.
At Katigondo, Fr. Kituuma taught Biblical Greek and courses in both the Old and New Testaments. He was widely regarded as a master of Sacred Scripture, a gifted preacher, and a visionary administrator who shaped generations of future priests.
One of the major highlights of his leadership was successfully guiding the seminary through its centenary celebrations in 2013.
Fr. Kituuma also championed sustainability initiatives aimed at strengthening the institution’s economic independence.
Under his leadership, the seminary planted more than 20 acres of coffee and 10 acres of matooke. Several income-generating projects were also introduced, including a large piggery and a nursery bed.
Fr. Kituuma retired from his position as rector in June 2023.
Shortly afterward, he traveled to the United States for what was initially intended to be a period of rest.
However, soon after his arrival he fell ill and was hospitalized, beginning a prolonged period of medical treatment.
While battling complications related to diabetes, he underwent a double amputation in December 2023 and spent the final years of his life confined to a wheelchair.
Despite his health struggles, he remained a figure of inspiration to many who had known him as a priest, teacher, and mentor.
According to funeral arrangements released by Masaka Diocese, Fr. Kituuma will be laid to rest at the cemetery of Bukalasa Minor Seminary on Monday, March 9, 2026.
The burial Mass will begin at 12:00 noon.
