Uganda’s Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir Mourns Loss of Pioneer Member

Uganda’s Catholic community is mourning the loss of Mrs. Jane Margaret Kazibwe, one of the founding members of the Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir (CACEMCHO) – A Choir that was founded by Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga In 1978 , who passed away at Mulago Hospital on Friday last week and according to the medical report, she died of severe Gastritis.

Mrs Jane Margaret Kazibwe was not only a dedicated alto in CACEMCHO, but also a beloved member of several choirs, including the St. Donozio Choir in Mulago Parish. As a stalwart of Uganda’s largest Catholic music community, Mrs Kazibwe’s contributions to the church through her musical talents spanned decades, earning her deep respect among her fellow choristers and the broader congregation. Known for her commitment to serving the Lord through music, she leaves behind a legacy that has deeply impacted both the spiritual and cultural life of Uganda’s Catholic faithful.

In a requiem mass held on Saturday at Christ the King Parish, Kampala, the congregation came together to celebrate Kazibwe’s life and service. Fr. John Muganga, who officiated the mass on behalf of the parish priest, led prayers of thanksgiving for the late chorister, urging the congregation to draw lessons from her unwavering dedication to God’s service. Fr. Muganga also expressed gratitude to the numerous mourners who attended, particularly the large turnout from the various choirs under the choirs association of Christ the King parish who animated the mass in her honor.

The chairman of Christ the King Choirs Association, Mr. Alex Arinaitwe, and Mr. Peterson Kasasa, chairman of CACEMCHO, both expressed their appreciation for the strong presence of fellow choristers from all over the Archdiocese, describing it as a testament to her goodness, commitment, and impact on the church.

Mrs. Jane Margaret Kazibwe was laid to rest earlier today in Kyampisi, Namayumba, a serene area a few kilometers off the Kampala-Hoima road. The funeral service, which included a second mass led by the Spiritan priests from Mulago Parish, celebrated her life as one full of love, service, and faithfulness. The priests praised Kazibwe for living a good and meaningful life, highlighting her role as both a devout servant of God and a pillar of her community. The tributes paid to her underscored the love and respect she garnered from both family and friends alike, with those present speaking fondly of her as a woman of deep faith and generosity.

Among those who spoke at the funeral was Kazibwe’s husband, Mr. Kazibwe, who emotionally reflected on his late wife’s qualities. He described her as a loving, God-fearing, and caring woman who was always generous in her support of others. Her loss has left a void not only in his life but also in the hearts of many within the Catholic music community, who will forever remember her voice and spirit in the church’s liturgical life. Her death that leaves a memorial legacy as a pioneering chorister and devoted servant of the Lord will continue to inspire future generations of Catholic musicians in Uganda.

Briefly about CACEMCHO:

The Catholic Centenary Memorial Choir (CACEMCHO) was founded in 1978 by the late His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga. It was formed to lead the faithful in celebrating 100 years of the Catholic faith in Uganda. Comprised of members from various parishes and dioceses across Uganda, CACEMCHO has become an integral part of the community.

CACEMCHO actively animates the Saturday 6:00 pm Holy Mass and the Sunday 7:00 am Holy Mass at Christ the King Parish in Kampala.

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