President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with the family of the late Rev. Fr. Paolino Tomaino at State House, Entebbe yesterday.
Rev. Fr. Tomaino, aged 87, was one of the longest-serving Comboni Missionary Priests and philanthropists in the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province. He passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Milan, Italy.
The Italian-born Priest of the congregation of the Comboni Missionaries is celebrated for his transformative impact on the Catholic faith, education, and health sectors during his many years of service in the Mbarara Archdiocese. He established projects such as Bishop Comboni College – Kambuga, Kyeibuza, and Lamezia Health Centers, among others.
During the meeting, President Museveni expressed that while he didn’t have a personal acquaintance with Fr. Tomaino, he was aware of his commendable work as a man of God.
“I have been acquainted with the endeavors of Catholic priests throughout Uganda for quite some time,” remarked the President.
“When Raphael Magyezi (Minister for Local Government) informed me of Fr. Tomaino’s illness, I advocated for his treatment. Upon his passing, I supported his wish to be buried here.”
President Museveni also extended gratitude to Fr. Tomaino’s family for their support during his lifetime.
“I want to express gratitude to Fr. Tomaino’s family, firstly for entrusting him to Africa, and then for their ongoing support. The churches and schools he established received substantial support from his family. We are thankful for allowing him to be laid to rest here,” affirmed President Museveni.
The President further encouraged his guests to leverage their social connections to attract Italian businesses and companies to invest in Uganda.
“If Italian enterprises are encouraged to invest here, they will generate employment, bolster government revenue, and contribute to foreign exchange reserves. Italy can significantly contribute to Africa’s transformation by tapping into its abundance of natural resources and labor, provided we have capital and entrepreneurship,” he emphasized.
President Museveni also committed to posthumously honoring Fr. Tomaino with a medal during this year’s Heroes Day, recognizing his pivotal role in Uganda’s development.
Regarding the late priest’s educational initiatives, President Museveni proposed completing the Sedes Serpientie Kanoni Girls School in Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi District, in memory of Fr. Tomaino, highlighting his enduring legacy in Ugandan education.
Rev. Fr. Tomaino’s family, led by his sister Maria Luisa, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the Ugandan government’s support during the priest’s illness.
“Allow me to convey our extended family’s appreciation for your affection towards our son, Fr. Paulino Tomaino. We are deeply grateful for the assistance you provided for Fr. Tomaino’s specialized treatment. Though he is no longer with us, we acknowledge your compassionate gesture, Your Excellency,” Ms. Luisa expressed.
“We are thankful for honoring his wish to be laid to rest in Uganda by repatriating his remains and facilitating the travel of 20 family members to accompany him to his final resting place.”
Ms. Luisa also revealed to President Museveni that Fr. Tomaino found his calling at 25 years old while a seminarian, inspired by a talk from a Priest from Sudan, which led him to dedicate his life to serving others in Africa.
“He arrived in Uganda in 1965 and remained steadfast in his mission. He devoted his entire life to the service of others, especially children, the impoverished, and the vulnerable. Through his integrity and honesty, his endeavors flourished. We appreciate the conducive environment provided by your government, which enabled him to fulfill his mission,” she stated.
“He departed as a fulfilled Priest and servant of God, bringing us solace. Thank you for granting him dual citizenship, a status he deeply cherished, which facilitated his work
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