Read the inspiring journey of Archbishop Augustine Kasujja. From a village boy to the first black African Papal Nuncio. A story of faith, perseverance, and service.
Read the inspiring journey of Archbishop Augustine Kasujja. From a village boy to the first black African Papal Nuncio. A story of faith, perseverance, and service.
A young boy walked four kilometers each morning to attend Mass. He dreamed of becoming a priest. That boy grew up to become the first black African Papal Nuncio in Vatican history.
This is the story of Archbishop Augustine Kasujja.
His journey took him from a small village in Mpigi District to serving popes across four continents. He spent 46 years serving outside Uganda. He served as the Pope’s representative in countries like Algeria, Argentina, Portugal, Peru, Nigeria, and Belgium. But his story starts with a simple dream.
Early Life and Family
Archbishop Kasujja was born on April 26, 1946 in Ssango village, Mitala-Maria Catholic Parish. He grew up in a family of 13 children. His father Yozefu Naluswa was a tailor who made clothes and Mass vestments for local priests. His mother Katalina Nanseko was a homemaker who raised eight boys and five girls. Archbishop Kasujja is the fourth-born.
Life was not easy. The village had no running water. Young Augustine and his brothers fetched water from a well in the forest. They collected firewood. They learned to peel matooke, potatoes, and cassava. They did every household chore in turns.
These experiences taught him discipline and responsibility. He learned that no work is beneath anyone. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life.
The Moment Everything Changed
One Sunday, young Augustine attended Mass at Mitala-Maria Parish. A newly ordained priest named Father John Baptist Mpoza celebrated the Mass. Augustine admired the young priest. He turned to his father and said he wanted to become a priest too.
His father told him to pray about it. He shared his dream with his mother as well.
Later, his father took him on a pilgrimage to Namugongo. He told young Augustine to ask the Uganda Martyrs to intercede for his dream. That pilgrimage planted a seed that would grow for decades.
Education and Formation
Archbishop Kasujja started his education at St Michael Primary School Ssango in 1954. He studied there until 1959. He then joined Kisubi Seminary in 1960. He spent six years there, from Junior One to Senior Four.
At Kisubi, he embraced music and sports. He played the side drums in the musical band. He excelled at table tennis, basketball, and football. He played as a left winger.
In 1966, he joined Katigondo National Major Seminary. His performance caught the attention of Archbishop Emmanuel Nsubuga. The Archbishop selected him to study in Rome.
Ordination by a Saint
In October 1967, Archbishop Kasujja left for Rome. He had no chance to say goodbye to his parents. His father had died just three months earlier.
He studied theology in Rome. On January 1, 1973, he was ordained a deacon. Two days later, on January 3, 1973, something extraordinary happened.
Pope Paul VI ordained him a priest at St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Paul VI is now Saint Paul VI. Imagine being ordained by a saint.
The ordination took place on Epiphany. The newly ordained priests lay prostrate on the floor. The Pope laid hands on them while the congregation recited the Litany of Saints. Archbishop Kasujja prayed the words of Mary: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your will.”
Hours after his ordination, a parishioner asked him for confession. He left the procession to hear the confession. He took his new role seriously from the very first day.
His parents could not attend his ordination. Travel from Uganda to Rome was difficult in those years. Only two colleagues from Europe had family present. But Ugandans studying in Rome witnessed the ceremony.
First Mass and Return to Uganda
Archbishop Kasujja celebrated his first thanksgiving Mass the next day. He returned to Uganda on August 10, 1974. His parish priest and a group of parishioners welcomed him at Entebbe Airport. His mother and some siblings were there.
He celebrated his thanksgiving Mass at his parents’ home in Ssango. Everything was prepared. From the airport, he went straight home for the Mass. It was a simple but beautiful occasion.
A Life of Service Across Continents
Archbishop Kasujja served in many countries as a Papal Nuncio. He represented the Pope in Algeria, Argentina, Haiti, Bangladesh, Portugal, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Nigeria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
He served 46 years outside Uganda. He never forgot his roots. He remained proud of Uganda, the country of the Uganda Martyrs.
On August 22, 1998, he was consecrated a bishop at Lubaga Cathedral. Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala presided. He chose a motto: “Secundum verbum tuum” meaning “Let it be done to me according to your word.”
A Historic Achievement
Archbishop Kasujja holds a significant place in church history. He was the first black African to hold the title of Apostolic Nuncio. This achievement opened doors for other African priests to serve at the highest levels of Vatican diplomacy.
His appointment broke barriers. It showed that the Church values service and capability over background or nationality.
Lessons from His Journey
You’ve read this far, which means something in your heart is stirring. Don’t let that feeling fade without action.
Lessons from His Journey
Archbishop Kasujja’s life offers powerful lessons for everyone.
Dreams take time. He dreamed of priesthood as a young boy. He pursued that dream through years of study and formation. He did not give up.
Hard work builds character. His childhood chores taught him self-reliance. He learned to cook and clean. He says he can cook and will not starve when he has food.
Faith sustains you through loss. His father died before he left for Rome. His mother missed his ordination. He carried on.
Service is the highest calling. He spent his entire life serving others. As a priest, bishop, and nuncio, he put people first.
Stay humble no matter how far you go. He returned to his home parish to celebrate his jubilee. He thanked his community. He remembered where he came from.Europe had family present. But Ugandans studying in Rome witnessed the ceremony.
His Message to You
On the day of his Golden Priestly Jubilee and Episcopal Silver Jubilee, Archbishop Kasujja said this. He thanked God for the call to priesthood. He thanked God for the grace to pursue that call and persevere.
He returned to Uganda after retirement. He chose to come home rather than stay in Rome or his last post. He continues to serve because he is still strong.
He said,
I am happy that I came back to my country Uganda, and I continue to serve.
Your Turn
Archbishop Kasujja was a village boy who walked four kilometers to Mass each day. He dreamed big. He worked hard. He stayed faithful. He served without ceasing. You do not need to become a Papal Nuncio. But you can follow his example. Stay faithful to your calling. Serve those around you. Remember where you came from. Never stop growing. What dream will you pursue starting today?
FROM SSANGO, MITALA MARIA TO THE VATICAN: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF ARCHBISHOP AUGUSTINE KASUJJA
— Social Communications Kampala Archdiocese