Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese Mourns Revered Music Composer Fr. James Kabuye

The Catholic faithful in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese are grieving the loss of Rev. Fr. James Kabuye, a renowned priest and celebrated composer, who passed away on September 16 at the age of 92. While the specific cause of his death remains undisclosed, Fr. Kabuye had been residing in Kampala to receive medical care due to his advanced age.

A special Mass will be held in his honor at noon this Saturday, followed by his interment at the Mityana Cathedral cemetery in the evening. Fr. Kabuye’s journey as a composer began in the 1960s while he was still a seminarian. His passion for music led him to study in Switzerland shortly after his ordination in 1962, and he further honed his skills at Marian College in the United States.

Upon his return to Uganda in 1967, Fr. Kabuye played a pivotal role at Rubaga Cathedral, introducing African musical elements into Catholic services when Latin dominated the liturgy. He believed in blending traditional African and Luganda compositions with Western polyphonic styles.

His extensive body of work includes well-known hymns such as “Tusimbe ffena mukisinde,” “Nndi musanyu lingi,” and “Ddunda tusasire.” Notably, his composition “Ye Ggwe Lwazi” was featured during Pope John Paul II’s Pontifical Mass in 1993, and he also composed music for Pope Francis’ visit in 2015. His versatile hymns could convey a range of emotions, from joy and thanksgiving to solemnity and mourning, fitting various liturgical moments.

Born in 1934, Fr. Kabuye’s early education included stints at Naluggi Primary School, Bukalasa Minor Seminary, and Katigondo Major Seminary. Throughout his priestly service, he contributed to institutions like Rubaga Cathedral and Ggaba National Seminary, leaving an indelible mark on liturgical music. In 2012, during his 50th priestly anniversary, he was lauded for his faithfulness and humility by fellow clergy.

For more details, please refer to the Daily Monitor.