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Fr. John Birungi Kithendere Biography

 

BRIEF REPORT FOR FR. JOHN BIRUNGI KITHENDERE

My Lord Bishop Acquirinus Kibiira

The Clergy.

The Religious Men and Women.

All Politicians.

Congregation.

Protocol Observed.

 

Biograghy

Fr. John Birungi Kithendere was born on 5t September, 1960 to parents;

a)     Mukokoma Augustine- Father

b)     Biira Felistus Mutsuba- Mother

Mukokoma Augustine son to Kisenge, and Kisenge son to Kithendere and Kithendere son to Kalisha, abasongora clan whose taboo is Grasshopper, originating from Muramba of Demecratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Biira Felistus Mutsuba daughter  Muhongya, Muhongya son to Bitswamba, Bitswamba son to Nzoboli, Nzoboli son to Balihi, Balihi son to Ikongo originating from Kisunga –DRC, abakiira whose taboo is buffalo , currently staying in Kanyamununyu, subcounties of Karambi, Nyakiyumbu, and town Councils; Katerera, Katwe-Kabatooro , Mpondwe Lhubiriha , Kajjasi Tc including Kasese Munincipality and Isingiro District.

Born in Oicha hospital by ceaserean by Doctor Baker in Democratique Republic Du Congo, Martanal Uncles being the great Mukamba Paul families- Baptism, Godparent was Buthalha Benendicto of Sesele

1)     Education Background;

Year	Institution
1969-1997	Kasanga Primary School
1971-1972	Nyakahya Primary School
1972-1975	Kasanga Primary School
1976-1979	St. Mary’s Seminary- Fort Portal
1980-1982	KItabi Minor Seminary( St Francis Exavier)- BUshenyi
1982-1985	St.Thomas Aquirinas Katigondo National Major Seminary- Katigondo-Degree in Philosophy
1986-1989	St. Mary Major Seminary- Ggaba- Theology
1998	Makerere University- Post Graduate Diploma in Education
1999-2000	Makerere University- Masters of Arts in Education Management- First Class Degree.

 

2)     Religious life

Fr. John Birungi Kithendere was ordained on 5^th August, 1989 by Emeritus Bishop Egidio Ngaijanabo and was the first priest to be ordained by Bishop Egidio in the Dioceses of Kasese after Erected in June 1989 from Diocese of Fort Portal

Pastoral appointments
Year	Parish
1989	Butiti – Fort Portal Diocese
1993	St. Johns’ Seminary- teacher and Vice Rector
1990-1995	Diocesan Youth Chaplain
30/10/1995	Education Secretary- Diocese of Kasese
23/09/1997	Katwe -Curate
2009	Hima- Curate
2012	Appointed to the Translation & committee of Diocese of Kse
2025	Kasanga- Curate

Died as curate at Kasanga Catholic Parish on 25th October, 2025 at the age 65 years

3)     A legacy of Wisdom

Fr. John’s literacy legacy included;

a)     From the Womb to the Tomb; a thought- provoking exploration of life, journey, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the purpose of life.

b)     Defeated but not Crushed; a powerful testament to the human spirit, capacity for resilience and hope in the face of adversity, offering words of comfort, encouragement and solace to those navigating lifes challenges.

c)     The problem of the Eye; A profound reflection on the nature of perception, insight, and spiritual vision.

d)     Church Hymns, a prolific composer of Church Hymns among others- Bikira Maria Mwabutwa Isyaliko Nzolho- a reminiscence for all times during the Assumption day of Mother Mary.

Most of the characters in his novels were referring to his maternal relatives  like Yowana Masinda’s proverbs and was friendly to Mukamba Augustine, Zapiere and Ifo, would also mention the family of Mbusa Nguramu in his education career. Developed a bond with Fr. Expedito Masereka while at Katwe Parish as curate.

Fr. John Birungi was member of Legion of Mary- which guided further his spiritual life by dedicating his life to Mother Mary.

“Fr. John Birungi Kithendere’s call to priesthood, says in 1980 while at Kitabi Seminary, his great Friend Zapiere of Kasanga parish was sick and admitted in Bushenyi, then the Rector of the Minor Seminary selected him to take care of the patient. He would be on and off at the seminary, there after there was a strike and all student were expelled, later called back to report to school. Unfortunately the patient was expelled indefinitely, he was retained, the parents of Zapiere went to plead for him, but nothing was fruitful, then Fr. John Kithendere started affirming his call to priesthood”.  

Since he served dedicatedly, he was able to be admired by his nephew Fr. Kaghene Charles (son to his Sister Justine Nzyabake). And Fr. Kaghene Charles was the last priest to be ordained by Bishop Egidio by the time of Fr. John Birungi Kithendere -death

He was obedient, kind and giving all he had, very respectful to all categories, he loved his family –sisters ( Nzyabake Justine, Mbambu Florence and Ithungu Regina) and brothers Masereka Charles and Late Kithi Salvin. And the entire Basongora Clan.

He gave respect to the Bakiira family because of his mother Biira Felistus and the entire clergy, religious men and women, giving time to Bakiira family memorial Mass.

 

5)     Cause of death;

Fr. John Kithendere lived a healthy life until he developed heart enlargement and blood clots, death occurred on 25^th October, 2025 due Cardiac arrest- May God rest his Soul in Eternal peace and reward him for the spiritual work done.

6)     Special thanks

i)                Emeritus Egidio Ngaijanabwo for ordaining him.

ii)              Bishop Kibiira Kamabale Acquirinos for giving him specialized care at St. Mary’s Hospital Kasese and Nsambya

iii)            All Parish Priests where here served as curate.

iv)             The laity where he was giving spiritual pastoral work.

v)               Her Worship Katemba Ajuuna Doreen for the care of necessities.

vi)             English Legion of Mary- Presidium; Mother of Devine Grace- Kasanga Parish-

vii)           Brother In laws ( Katemba Attenyi, Muserero Stephen and Matovu.

viii)         The priests at kasanga Parish and

ix)             More especially Fr. Sumbuku Leonary parish Priest at the time of his death.

7)     Final gratitude;

The entire family of Bakiira are grateful to the Almighty God for the gift of Biira Felistus  mum to Fr. John Birungi Kithendere – a priest who has been there for us at all cost. We shall indeed miss his spiritual services. Once again May God forgive him for him for all that could not fulfill and rest his Soul at His right hand.

Read by; Bitswamab Asiimwe Peter- on behalf of the Uncles to Fr John Birungi Kithendere ( Source;  Family Archive, Uganda Catholic Television- UCTV, Chancellery’s Report-DOK)  27^th October, 2025

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