Kampala, Uganda | Daily Express: The passing of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Expedito Magembe on May 9, 2025, marked the end of a special and rare era in Uganda’s Catholic Church.
At 88, the soft-spoken yet spiritually authoritative clergyman left behind a monumental legacy of prayer, exorcism, music, and evangelism that transformed lives and strengthened the roots of Catholicism in Uganda.
Born in 1937, Msgr. Magembe rose from humble beginnings to become a towering spiritual figure in Uganda. He was the founding director of Mount Sion Bukalango, a now-iconic Catholic prayer centre nestled on the outskirts of Kampala.
It is here that he became widely known for his weekly Sangaalo prayer sessions; the charismatic gatherings that drew multitudes seeking healing, deliverance, and spiritual renewal.
The Exorcist and Healer
Within the Catholic Church, Monsignor Magembe held the rare and sacred role of chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Kampala. Appointed by ecclesiastical authority, he led thousands through deliverance, confronting what the Church describes as demonic oppression or possession.
Always seen clutching his iconic crucifix and rosary, he approached his exorcism duties not with drama but deep reverence and prayer. Faithful from across the country would flock to Mount Sion to seek spiritual liberation, often describing him as a man of deep insight and divine authority.
“He believed that prayer could heal what medicine could not. And often, it did,” remarked a fellow priest who preferred to be kept anonymous in this report.
Master Composer of Sacred Hymns
Msgr. Magembe was not only a man of prayer but also a gifted composer and liturgical musician. Over his lifetime, he is credited with composing nearly 1,000 Catholic hymns, many of which continue to be sung in Luganda-speaking dioceses and beyond.
His work features prominently in the official Catholic hymn book, Muje Tutendereze Mukama (MTO). In recognition of his contribution to liturgical music, he was awarded the Cherubim Musical Honour in 2024—one of the Church’s most prestigious accolades in sacred arts.
“Music was his second ministry. His hymns brought people closer to God,” a choir director from Lubaga Cathedral noted.
A Golden Jubilee of Priesthood
In 2024, Msgr. Magembe celebrated 50 years in priesthood, a milestone that was joyfully commemorated by the Catholic community. The celebration was not just a personal victory but a national moment of thanksgiving, particularly for the tens of thousands who had experienced his ministry.
Throughout his career, Magembe mentored young clergy, upheld liturgical purity, and championed the Church’s response to modern spiritual challenges. His firm stance on keeping Catholics grounded in traditional faith practices saw many return from Pentecostal churches to the Catholic fold.
In January 2025, Magembe was prematurely reported dead on social media, news that the Archdiocese quickly debunked. Yet behind the false alarms was a man quietly battling illness, and choosing to do so with the grace and privacy that had defined his public ministry.
He eventually breathed his last on May 9, 2025, a death which came as a blow to the faithful. The Archdiocese, led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, expressed profound sorrow. Burial arrangements are yet to be formally announced.
Legacy of a Spiritual Giant
Monsignor Expedito Magembe leaves behind not only Mount Sion Bukalango and its beloved Bukalango TV, but also a generation of Catholics who found healing, music, and faith through his voice and vision.
He is remembered alongside Uganda’s greatest liturgical minds and spiritual leaders, Fr. James Kabuye, Rev. Fr. Joseph Namukangula, and others. Yet his unique blend of exorcism, music, and evangelism carved out a legacy entirely his own.
“He brought hope to the broken, faith to the doubting, and music to the voiceless,” a parishioner eulogized.
As Uganda mourns this spiritual father, the Church celebrates a life truly lived in devotion, humility, and purpose.
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