Kampala, Uganda: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Expedito Magembe, the founding director of Mount Sion Prayer Centre in Bukalango and chief exorcist of Kampala Archdiocese, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on May 9, 2025.
Msgr Magembe’s death was pronounced by Rev. Fr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kampala, on behalf of His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of Kampala.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Monsignor Expedito Magembe of Mount Sion Bukalango,” the statement read. Burial arrangements, it added, will be communicated in due course.
Msgr. Magembe, a priest for over 50 years, had reportedly been battling illness for some time. His death comes just over a year after he was honoured with the Cherubim Musical Honour in recognition of his remarkable contribution to sacred liturgy and Catholic music.
In February 2024, he was hailed among Uganda’s most influential liturgical composers, having authored nearly 1,000 hymns featured prominently in the Muje Tutendereze Mukama hymnbook.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, in a condolence message posted via her socials, praised the deceased for his immense spiritual impact:
“Msgr. Magembe undoubtedly won many souls for Christ and created a welcoming space where countless individuals came to seek God, pray, and receive guidance. May his legacy, which spanned 50 years of priesthood, inspire many to be God-fearing and to show compassion and love for one another.”
As the Archdiocese’s chief exorcist, Monsignor Magembe was widely revered for his bold deliverance ministry and spiritual counsel. At Mount Sion, he led thousands in the famous Sangaalo prayer sessions, with many attributing miraculous healings and conversions to his guidance. Clutching his trademark crucifix and oversized rosary, Magembe was often described as a man of intense prayer and unmatched spiritual discipline.
He also stood out for his efforts to draw Catholics who had drifted toward Pentecostal movements back to the faith. His pastoral model blended traditional Catholic liturgy with charismatic renewal, making Bukalango a sanctuary for both the devout and the spiritually searching.
In January 2025, he was the subject of false death rumours that were swiftly dismissed by Church authorities.
The Catholic community across Uganda now mourns a man whose legacy is enshrined not only in his music and ministry but also in the lives he touched and transformed.
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