(Kampala) – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the grand opening of the new All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala, marking a significant moment for Uganda’s Anglican community. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President addressed hundreds of Christians gathered for the ceremony on All Saints’ Day.
The new cathedral, distinguished by a 45-meter bell tower, features a modern design with a two level underground parking facility, four chapels, a coffee center, and a library. The spacious structure can host over 5,000 worshippers, making it an important addition to the Anglican Church’s growing presence in Kampala.
President Museveni praised the building committee and project leaders for their dedication in completing the ambitious cathedral project. “I want to thank and congratulate the building committee and the chairpersons who have brought this magnificent cathedral to completion,” he said.
The President also reflected on his own faith journey, recalling that his mother was a devoted revivalist and that he had been active in the Scripture Union in his youth. However, he shared his surprise upon learning that the Church of Uganda’s headquarters was not based at Namirembe, as he had assumed. “Up to now, I have never gotten a clear explanation,” he added, humorously.
During his address, President Museveni urged Christians to practice their faith actively, drawing on the parable of the talents to emphasize the importance of being productive and setting an example for others. “We, as Christians, must be examples, not just by words but through our actions,” he stated, referencing the Bible’s call to “let your light shine before men.”
In a call for discipline, he encouraged Christians to respect their bodies, avoiding behaviors that harm one’s health, such as excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and sexual immorality. “If our bodies are truly temples of the Lord, this should mean living a life of discipline,” the President noted.
The President also touched on the need for unity among religious groups, expressing his dissatisfaction with religious divisions and calling for inclusivity. Citing the parable of the Good Samaritan, he emphasized that actions matter more than religious labels. Reflecting on his own experiences, he praised the Inter-Religious Council for promoting unity and encouraged churches to focus on actions over denominations.
To support the cathedral, President Museveni announced a personal donation of 100 million shillings from his own resources and an additional 1 billion shillings to be allocated in the government’s July budget. “Maama Janet and I have agreed to contribute Shs100 million from our cattle, not the government budget,” he remarked.
The event also included the consecration of Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa as the Assistant Bishop of Kampala, succeeding Bishop Hannington Mutebi. Bishop Baalwa was presented with a new car as part of the celebration. The main sermon was delivered by Bishop Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese, marking a memorable day for the Anglican Church.
Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, chairman of the Organising Committee, reflected on the historical journey of All Saints Cathedral, tracing its origins back to a small chapel built in 1912. The new structure, ten times larger than the old cathedral, is a reflection of Uganda’s growth and the Anglican Church’s expanding congregation. “This cathedral marks a significant milestone in our spiritual journey and a deep, sustained transformation within our society,” Mbabazi remarked.
| Features of the New All Saints Cathedral | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Over 5,000 worshippers |
| Key Features | 45-meter bell tower, 4 chapels, coffee center, library |
| Parking | Two-level underground parking with space for 150 cars |
| Building Area | 8,646 square meters (2.16 acres) |
| Architectural Design | Postmodern, six-sided structure with reinforced concrete |
The need to expand the cathedral, according to Mbabazi, began in the late 1990s as the congregation outgrew the original 400-seat structure. The building committee overcame challenges including financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, raising a total of 25 billion shillings to make the new cathedral a reality. Another 7.5 billion shillings is still required to complete the remaining phases, which will include two additional lifts.
Reflecting on the contributions of past church leaders, Mbabazi said, “The seeds planted by our past leaders, lovingly cultivated by their successors over the last 50 years, have grown into this gigantic tree we see today.”
Canon Vivian Igundura, chairperson of the All Saints Cathedral Building Committee, shared the vision behind the cathedral’s modern design, which incorporates features that support large gatherings and separate services. “The cathedral has five chapels, allowing five services to go on simultaneously in different areas without interruption,” she explained.
The day’s gathering included high-ranking government officials, such as the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the Minister of ICT, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and other prominent leaders.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, expressed gratitude for the support from all attendees and especially for the presence of President Museveni and the First Lady. “Your presence has given All Saints’ Cathedral motivation and joy. We appreciate you both,” he said.
