Fr. Kasole: The Servant of His Own Children
Discover the inspiring life of Fr. Kasole, a Catholic priest whose selfless dedication to caring for needy children created a lasting legacy of love and service in Uganda.
Early Life & Family
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Birth - April 6, 1941
Born to John Mary Matovu and Bernadette Matovu on Palm Sunday at Mubende Hospital. He was the first born and a joyful mystery for parents who had been waiting for a boy child.
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Family Growth
Kasole was later followed by 11 siblings, making him the eldest in a large family. This early responsibility helped shape his leadership qualities.
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Spiritual Formation
During his teen years, he spent holidays with his grandmother Catalina, who instructed him in matters of faith and virtuous living, making him a good leader and example to his siblings.
Education Journey
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Primary Education (1949-1954)
Started at Katente Primary School at age 8, where he met Pere Richard Cays. Later attended St. Mary's Primary School Bukuumi to further his education.
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Secondary Education (1955-1962)
Joined St. Edward's Junior Secondary School after excelling in primary examinations. In 1957, with Pere Richard Cays' help, he entered Kisubi Seminary where he continued developing his gift for relating with people.
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Seminary Formation (1962-1968)
After excelling in his Junior Leaving Certificate, he joined Katigondo Major Seminary to complete his priestly formation.
Priestly Ordination & Early Ministry
Ordination - December 8, 1968
Ordained a priest at Lubaga Cathedral by His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga, alongside four other deacons.
Nsambya Parish (1969)
Began his priestly service as an assistant Parish Priest, teaching religious studies at St. Joseph's and St. Peter's Secondary Schools and serving as chaplain.
Archbishop's Secretary (1970)
Served as the Archbishop's private secretary at Lubaga Parish while continuing to help children in need.
Studies in France (1971-1975)
Sent to France to study journalism. During this time, Sr. Richard Nayiga joined his mission of caring for children at his request.
Ministry at Mulago & Caring for Children
Mulago Hospital Chaplain (1975)
Upon returning from France, Fr. Kasole was posted to Mulago and appointed as the hospital chaplain, where he encountered many children in need.
Parish Priest (1979)
While studying A' Level at Caltec Academy, he was appointed Parish Priest for Our Lady of the Sick Mulago, expanding his ministry to the sick and vulnerable.
Growing Number of Children (1987)
By 1987, the children under his care had become so numerous that they were moved to Kigando, his parents' home. The first children included Rose Nalubuuka, Monica Nakityo, and Eva Nakato.
Founding St. Joseph's Aid Society
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Vision Formation
In 1990, as the number of students at Kigando increased, Fr. Kasole developed the idea of setting up a school to address the enormous needs of his children.
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Official Establishment
In early 1991, the community obtained its name: St. Joseph's Aid Society, a foundation of the Roman Catholic Church with a mission of providing education to needy children.
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Ongoing Support
Fr. Kasole and Sr. Richard Nayiga approached many benefactors who provided assistance for the children over the years.
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Spiritual Formation
Throughout his work, Fr. Kasole encouraged a spirit of love, sympathy, empathy, and trust in God among his children.
Illness and Final Years
Sudden Collapse
On June 13, 2004, Fr. Kasole collapsed during a community event at Kigando. For several months afterward, he was unable to speak, only occasionally saying "Kigando, Kigando, Kigando."
Visit to Kigando
When brought to visit Kigando, his children were saddened that he could not recognize them. This emotional reunion marked the only time Fr. Kasole was welcomed at Kigando with sorrow rather than joy.
Community Challenges
During his illness, the society faced many problems including financial difficulties. God's providence brought benefactors who helped cover the financial gap.
Legacy and Remembrance
Fr. Kasole returned to his Lord on August 30, 2007, after experiencing much pain in his final days. His body was laid to rest at Kiyinda Miyana Cathedral on August 31, 2007. His death day is commemorated annually by his children who gather to pray for him. We thank God for the gift of Fr. Kasole, a shepherd endowed with a rich and selfless heart wholly dedicated to the service of children in need.