KAMPALA, Uganda— Msgr. Expedito Magembe, a popular Catholic priest known for his charismatic preaching, exorcism ministry, and the composition of hundreds of hymns, has died. He passed away Friday at Nsambya Hospital, according to the Kampala Archdiocese.
Initial reports of Magembe’s death circulated on social media months prior but were refuted at the time.
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The Archbishop of Kampala, the Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, in a statement released by Fr. Male, expressed condolences to the Catholic faithful and all people of good will in Uganda. “Magembe has returned to the Father. We are going to miss him. He was a zealous preacher of the gospel. He loved the Church with all his heart. He has devoted all his life and energy to the service of God’s people. Many people have found consolation, healing and deliverance in his ministry,” Ssemogerere said.
Ssemogerere also acknowledged Magembe’s significant contributions to the Church, including founding Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango and the religious institute of the Brides of the Lamb, as well as composing numerous hymns.
Magembe’s path to priesthood was unconventional. Due to his parents’ limited financial resources, he initially joined the Brothers of St. Charles Lwanga (Bannakarooli Brothers) in 1957, taking his religious vows in 1960. As a Brother, he trained as a teacher and taught at several primary schools before an opportunity arose in 1968 to join the Grand National Major Seminary of Katigondo for philosophy studies. He began composing hymns during his time at Katigondo.
He continued his theological studies at St. Mary’s National Seminary Ggaba and was ordained a deacon in 1972 and a priest in 1973 by the late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga. Magembe recalled being ill on his ordination day but proceeded due to his respect for the Archbishop. He also recounted narrowly avoiding dismissal from the seminary due to health issues, crediting two nuns for their support in improving his well-being.
Magembe’s requiem Mass was presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Jude Makanga, the Kampala Archdiocese Episcopal Vicar for Wakiso Zone, who described him as a “faithful priest and a zealous preacher of the Gospel” and a composer who “has given holistic healing to the people.” The Mass was attended by government officials including state ministers Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo and Mary Mugasa, and Brig. Gen. Flavia Byekwaso.
A prolific musician, Magembe composed over 800 hymns and charismatic choruses, becoming a pioneer in writing indigenous sacred hymns in local languages following the Second Vatican Council’s allowance for vernacular liturgy.
The Rev. Fr. Anthony Musaala, who modernized some of Magembe’s songs, called the hymns “contemplative and spiritually uplifting.” Jude Luwaga, director of Cherubim Choir, praised their “authentic Biblical roots,” noting Magembe’s ability to weave Jesus’ parables into music.
Msgr. Expedito Magembe is expected to be buried at Kisubi Minor Seminary on Monday following a requiem mass.
Some of Msgr. Magembe’s prominent hymns include:
- Lugendo lunene (it is a long and tough journey)
- Bw’omwewa Omukama (when you give yourself to the Lord)
- Tetulabanga (we have neither seen nor known)
- Ggwe nnyaffe (you are our mother)
