By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Office of the National Chairman(ONC) – NRM, head, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye today, Wednesday, May 08, paid a courtesy visit to Uganda’s Cardinal, His Eminence Emmanuel Wamala, the Emeritus-Archbishop of Kampala Diocese, at his retirement home in Nsambya, Makindye Division.
Hajjat Namyalo, who is also President Museveni’s Senior Political Advisor, said her visit to the Cardinal was to specifically thank him for his remarkable service in the Catholic Priesthood, spanning over 66 years until his retirement in 2006.
“As his name goes; “Wamala” literally means “He finishes everything“, and that has been evident of his relentless service in the Catholic Church. It would therefore seem unfair that after all the years of serving God, without any stains of corruption, no discrimination for whatsoever race, tribe or religion, for him not to be recognized,” said Namyalo.
With such a selfless act, Hajjat Namyalo thanked God for allowing the Cardinal to retire from active Priesthood service, although he’s still a strong pillar in the country’s religious fraternity and a reference for wisdom and prelate services.
“Therefore it’s the reason we’ve come to pay homage to you. We ask God for his grace and more life upon you, and all the Bazzukulu to live longer like you Cardinal Wamala,” SPA Namyalo prayed.
The ONC Boss who was flanked by the office Public Relations Officer, Mr Kintu Moses, and Inter-Faith Leader, Hajj Kigozi Erias, then delivered a package of goodies to the Cardinal, as a way of thanksgiving for his Good life and health, and asked God for more life upon His true servant.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Hajjat Namyalo vowed to not only stop at Christians, but all religion in her relentless campaign against poverty and ensure that every Muzzukulu benefits from NRM’s wealth creation programmes.
“We have to benefit from government programmes, we have to benefit from all avenues, and get whatever we are supposed to get from the system that comes our way. Let’s not just be prayerful, but pray with actions ” Namyalo rallied.
“So let’s embrace government programmes, policies and even report the corrupt people,” the ONC Boss added before endorsing the Jajja TovaKuMain campaign which reaffirms President Museveni’s sole candidature as NRM Presidential flag bearer come 2026.
Namyalo therefore asked for God’s blessings and favour from the Cardinal to ensure that President Museveni wins by a landslide victory when that time comes.
In his remarks, Cardinal Wamala, 97, thanked Hajjat Namyalo for her continued role in empowering Bazzukulu through wealth creation campaigns and asked her to deliver a special message to the NRM Chairman, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his service to the country as President.
“Our dear guests for today, headed by Chief Muzzukulu Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo from the Office of the National Chairman of NRM, we thank you for the work you’re doing for the children of God through self empowerment and turning up for those in need,” Cardinal Wamala stated.
“Thank you for paying us a courtesy visit, and the goodies you’ve brought along with you. We ask you to send our courteous greetings to the NRM Party Chairman, H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” he added, further asking God for protection and blessing upon the Bazzukulu of Uganda.
About Cardinal Wamala
Born 15, December 1926, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, now 97, served as the Archbishop of Kampala from 1990 to 2006. He is the only cardinal in Uganda, a position which he was elevated to in 1994.
As a Cardinal, Wamala sits on the Cardinal council of electors for the election of the Catholic Pope and remarkably participated in the 2005 papal conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI.
With a priesthood service spanning over 66 years, also served as inspector of diocesan schools and a faculty member of the Minor Seminary of Bukalasa, chaplain and faculty member, and rector of University of Makerere.
He became Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana (1981-88), and Co-adjuator Archbishop of Kampala (1988-90), and in the same year, 1990, he was appointed Archbishop of Kampala, until 2006 when be retired from the role and was succeeded by the late Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.
He also served as vicar general of the Masaka Diocese from 1974 to 1981. He was created Chaplain of His Holiness on 25 May 1977.
