By Kabuye Ronald
The presiding Bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), Jacinto Kibuuka, has paid heartfelt tribute to the late Rt. Rev. Msgr. Expedito Magembe, the founding director of Mount Sion Prayer Centre in Bukalango and chief exorcist of the Kampala Archdiocese. Msgr. Magembe passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 88.
Bishop Kibuuka, who also serves as the spiritual director of Mamre International Prayer Centre in Namugongo Janda, described the late priest as his mentor, teacher, and spiritual guide. He noted that Magembe played a pivotal role arousing the Exorcist and Charismatic healing and deliverance Prayer Ministry in him.
“Rev. Msgr. Expedito Magembe was our mentor, teacher, and spiritual director. As the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, we send our deepest condolences to all God’s people especially the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, the clergy, the Brides of the Lamb Sisters, and the entire Bukalango family. We pray for his soul to find eternal rest,” Bishop Kibuuka said, referencing 2 Timothy 4:7-8 in the message.
Msgr. Magembe’s passing was formally announced by Rev. Fr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe, Chancellor of the Kampala Archdiocese, on behalf of His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of Kampala. Burial arrangements are to be communicated in due course.
A priest for more than 50 years, Msgr. Magembe had been battling illness prior to his death. In February 2024, he was honored with the Cherubim Musical Honour for his outstanding contribution to sacred liturgy and Catholic music. He authored nearly 1,000 hymns, many of which are featured in the Muje Tutendereze Mukama hymnbook.
As chief exorcist of the archdiocese, Magembe was widely respected for his unwavering dedication to deliverance ministry and spiritual counseling. At Mount Sion, he led thousands in the renowned Sangaalo prayer sessions, with many reporting miraculous healings and conversions under his guidance. Known for his intense prayer life and discipline, he was often seen with his iconic crucifix and oversized rosary.
He was also recognized for his efforts to bring Catholics who had drifted toward Pentecostal movements back into the fold, combining traditional Catholic liturgy with charismatic renewal. His work made Bukalango a spiritual haven for both the devout and the seeking.
In January 2025, the Church had to refute false rumors of his death, a testament to how closely the public followed his life and ministry.
The Catholic community in Uganda now mourns a towering spiritual figure whose legacy will endure through his music, ministry, and the countless lives he touched.
