By BM
The Catholic Church and Buganda Kingdom have paid tribute to the late Tofiri Kivumbi Malookweza, a revered traditional leader and Papal Knight whose life bridged faith, culture, and public service.
He passed away on Saturday, August 16, at the age of 97 and will be laid to rest tomorrow in Masaka.
From his leadership in Kyadondo County to the honor of being named a Papal Knight by the Vatican, Malookweza lived a life of service and sacrifice that inspired generations across Uganda.
At a solemn requiem Mass held at Lubaga Cathedral, the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, described Malookweza as “a generous and God-fearing man whose legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
“He did not only lead he served. He paid school fees for seminarians, supported the Church in countless ways, and lived his faith openly and devoutly,” the Archbishop said.
“His family also deserves commendation they cared for him until his final breath, never selling off even a portion of his property. That is a testament to the values he instilled.”
Archbishop Ssemogerere used the moment to urge Ugandans to emulate Malookweza’s example by rejecting corruption and working for just, effective service delivery.
Representing the Katikkiro of Buganda, the Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, praised the late leader for his unwavering service to the Kingdom.
“Malookweza was a cultural diplomat he preserved our heritage while embracing the demands of a changing world. His leadership in Kyadondo shaped not just the county, but the Kingdom at large.”
The Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, in a written message, hailed Malookweza’s loyalty to the Kabaka and his contribution to modernizing traditional leadership without eroding its core values.
Meanwhile, Wakiso District gubernatorial hopeful, Emmanuel Ssempala Kigozi Ssajjalyabeene, described the fallen leader as “a symbol of servant leadership,” urging today’s politicians to reflect on his legacy.
“His was a life of service above self. If every leader modeled them after him, Uganda would be in a much better place.”
A Life of Purpose: The Biography of Tofiri Kivumbi Malookweza
Born in 1928 in Kyadondo, present-day Wakiso District, Tofiri Kivumbi Malookweza was raised in a devout Catholic family that instilled in him the virtues of humility, hard work, and service to God.
He attended missionary schools in central Uganda before pursuing training in local administration.
His deep cultural understanding and leadership skills quickly earned him a place in Buganda’s traditional leadership, where he rose to become Kaggo, the head of Kyadondo County one of the most prominent roles within the Kingdom.
In this position, he became known for his ability to reconcile traditional norms with modern governance systems.
He was instrumental in mobilizing communities, resolving conflicts peacefully, and promoting education and social services.
His unshakeable faith and commitment to the Church led to his investiture as a Papal Knight, an honor conferred by the Vatican to a select few laypeople around the world for exceptional service to the Catholic Church.
But beyond the titles, Malookweza was a philanthropist at heart.
He quietly supported many seminarians, funded church programs, and served as a spiritual father in his community. Even in old age, he remained an active voice of wisdom and mentorship.
He is survived by children and grandchildren who have honored his wishes, protected his legacy, and lived by the values he cherished.
As the sun sets on the life of Tofiri Kivumbi Malookweza, Uganda bids farewell to a man who walked the line between tradition and progress, faith and leadership and did so with unmatched grace.
