Renowned Bukalango Prayer Centre Founder Msgr. Expedito Magembe Dies at 88

The Archdiocese of Kampala has officially announced the death of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Expedito Magembe, the revered Catholic priest and spiritual leader behind Mount Sion Prayer Centre in Bukalango. Magembe passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 88.

Rev. Fr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, confirmed the sad news in a public statement released on behalf of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. While the exact cause of death has not been revealed, the Archdiocese stated that funeral arrangements will be communicated soon, urging the public to keep Magembe in their prayers.

A Lifetime Devoted to Faith and Deliverance

Ordained in the 1970s, Monsignor Magembe was widely known as the Archdiocese’s chief exorcist, conducting numerous deliverance sessions for those believed to be spiritually afflicted. His iconic image—clad in white, holding a rosary and crucifix—became synonymous with Uganda’s spiritual healing movement.

Mount Sion Prayer Centre in Bukalango, which he founded, attracted thousands seeking spiritual restoration. His famed “Sangaalo” prayer sessions brought together multitudes in praise, healing, and reconciliation. Magembe passionately worked to draw Catholics back to the faith, especially those leaning toward Pentecostal churches.

Musical Legacy That Transcended Generations

Beyond his exorcism ministry, Monsignor Magembe was a gifted liturgical composer. He created nearly 1,000 hymns, many of which are featured in Muje Tutendereze Mukama (MTO), the official Luganda Catholic hymnbook. His compositions, deeply rooted in scripture, are still sung in churches across Uganda every Sunday.

In February 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Cherubim Musical Honour, joining the ranks of Uganda’s most celebrated Catholic composers like Fr. James Kabuye and Rev. Fr. Joseph Namukangula.

Celebrating a Spiritual Icon

Monsignor Magembe celebrated his 50th year in priesthood in 2024, marking five decades of unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church. Despite battling illness in recent years, he remained a symbol of resilience and spiritual commitment.

“Monsignor Magembe brought light, music, and faith into our lives. His work revived Catholic worship and gave hope to many,” said a mourner at Mount Sion the morning after his death was announced.

Legacy Beyond the Altar

To many Ugandans, he was more than a priest—he was a father figure, healer, and unifier of traditional and modern Catholicism. His charismatic evangelism and deep doctrinal knowledge resonated across all age groups.

As the nation mourns this monumental figure, his impact continues through the music sung in churches, the faithful he inspired, and the legacy he built in Bukalango. The Archdiocese will provide updates on his burial plans in the coming days.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBT4eQm_bMQ