(Kampala) – The newly completed All Saints Cathedral in Kampala has sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some Ugandans questioning its simple design and the extended time it took to complete. However, Anglican leaders have explained that these decisions reflect the church’s core mission, which emphasizes practical evangelism over architectural grandeur.
The Rev. Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop of the Diocese of Lango and main preacher at the cathedral’s recent inauguration, highlighted the fundamental purposes of the Protestant Church: to evangelize, teach the word of God, and foster prayer and worship. Beyond these, he said, the church is called to serve the sick, help the destitute, educate the illiterate, and teach financial management principles to its members. Luxurious buildings, while appreciated, are not considered essential to this mission.
From the Reformation onward, the Protestant Church has generally favored a modest approach to architecture, prioritizing function over elaborate design. Protestant churches worldwide, including Anglican, Baptist, Evangelical, and Pentecostal congregations, have historically chosen minimalist and practical structures, particularly when funds are limited. According to church leaders, this ethos reflects a commitment to using resources for community impact rather than ornate decor. Anglican congregations in Europe and the UK may have elaborate cathedrals, but most lack the financial reserves of the Roman Catholic Church, which has access to significant endowments, donations, and assets built up over centuries.
In Uganda, funding limitations have influenced the cathedral’s design and construction timeline. Despite being one of the largest Anglican congregations globally, with an estimated 14 million followers, Uganda’s Anglican Church faces economic challenges, and the financial burden of building a 5,000-seat structure fell heavily on a few families of means. Notably, the Sekidde family (of SEROMA Limited) contributed over one billion shillings (roughly $300,000 USD), while others, such as the Mbabazi family, also made substantial donations. Many Ugandans contributed what they could, yet these donations came in gradually, slowing down the project’s completion.
| Key Financial Contributions | Donors | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Contribution (1 Billion UGX) | Sekidde family (SEROMA Ltd.) | $300,000 |
| Additional Major Contributions | Mbabazi family, others | Varying amounts |
| Collective Efforts | Various Ugandan Christians | Modest individual donations |
The architectural approach chosen for All Saints Cathedral combines Brutalist elements on the exterior with hints of Art Deco on the interior. According to planners, sourcing materials for such a unique structure presented its own set of challenges, requiring meticulous procurement and supervision.
Leaders dismissed any allegations of financial mismanagement, stressing that the project was closely monitored throughout its development. The Church of Uganda faced competing needs as it balanced this large-scale construction with its ongoing community and social projects. This tension between vision and budget remains a reality for the church, which relies on the generosity of its faithful yet operates with limited financial resources.
Reflecting on the mission-centered ethos of the Anglican Church, leaders emphasized that a rectangular structure with a roof, lighting, and mixed-use spaces is often more than enough. Additional amenities, such as cafés, schools, and hospitals, are welcome but secondary to the church’s main goals of spreading the Gospel and supporting the community.
