Kampala, (UG):- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Friday presided over the grand opening of the new All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala, an event, attended by hundreds of Christians, as part of the All-Saints Day celebrations.
The newly completed facility, standing out with a striking 45-metre bell tower, features the Bishop’s office for the Kampala Diocese, a two-level underground parking lot, four chapels, a coffee centre and a library.
Designed to accommodate over 5,000 worshippers, the cathedral is a monumental addition to Uganda’s Anglican community and a major symbol of the faith’s expansion in Kampala.
The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni in his address, lauded the building committee and those who led the project saying; “I want to thank and congratulate the building committee and the chairpersons who have brought this magnificent cathedral to completion.”
Reflecting on his personal faith journey, President Museveni shared that his mother was a devoted “Mulokole” (revivalist), and he himself was active in the Scripture Union during his youthful years.
However, he expressed disappointment upon discovering that the headquarters of the Church of Uganda was not based at Namirembe, as he had believed. “Up to now, I have never gotten a clear explanation,” he added.
Highlighting the theme of spiritual and personal development, President Museveni urged Christians to embody the values of the parable of the talents, referencing the call to multiply one’s gifts and be a light to others. “We, as Christians, must be examples, not just by words but through our actions,” he said, challenging believers to apply their faith practically.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” the President quoted the verse from the Bible.
Addressing a growing concern for health and discipline, President Museveni called on Christians to honour their bodies as temples of the Lord, avoiding vices such as alcohol, obesity, and sexual immorality.
“If our bodies are truly temples of the Lord, this should mean living a life of discipline,” he emphasised.
On the topic of unity among denominations, the President shared his discontent with sectarianism and religious divisions.
Mr Museveni drew on the parable of the Good Samaritan to stress the importance of actions over religious identity. “Jesus challenged those who had turned religion into something rigid. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows that your tribe or religion doesn’t matter what matters is your actions.”
Reflecting on his own experience in 1965 at Mwiri, where he disagreed with the exclusive nature of certain religious groups, President Museveni praised the Inter-Religious Council model that promotes inclusivity and cohesion, much like the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) stance against sectarianism.
“When we came to government, we took out sectarianism completely,” he stated, encouraging churches to “judge by actions, not denominations.”
President Museveni concluded by announcing a personal donation to the church, saying, “Maama Janet and I have agreed to contribute Shs100 million from our cattle, not the government budget.” “Additionally, I will include Shs1 billion in the July budget to support the cathedral,” he noted.
The day’s events included the consecration of Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa as Assistant Bishop, succeeding Bishop Hannington Mutebi, and was gifted with a car, as is the norm by the President.
On his part, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, the Chairman the organising Committee of the New All Saints Cathedral, expressed his profound honour and pleasure while addressing attendees at the consecration of the Cathedral.
“This consecration is a testament to our collective spirit and unwavering commitment to a shared goal,” said Rt. Hon. Mbabazi, before thanking the many guests who joined to share the joy of consecrating the newly built cathedral.
Tracing the history of the cathedral, Rt. Hon. Mbabazi recounted its humble beginnings in 1912 as a small chapel serving the British colonial hospitals. Over the years, he noted that it has grown to serve thousands of Christians in Kampala.
“This growth mirrors the transformation Uganda as a nation has undergone. This grand structure stands as a testament to our collective faith, resilience, and commitment to creating a space that can accommodate our growing congregation,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Amama said that the journey to expand the cathedral began in the late 1990s, driven by the need for more space highlighting that today it has culminated in a magnificent, modern structure that incorporates advanced technological designs while preserving historical essence.
“The new cathedral, designed as a postmodern, six-sided building with a 45-metre bell tower, is ten times larger than the previous structure. The old cathedral seated just 400 worshippers, while the new one can accommodate up to 5,000, I am informed and yet to confirm that the cathedral is the auditorium in East Africa,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi also took a moment to appreciate the church’s leadership in bringing about this transformation.
“I think it’s only fitting to recognize and appreciate the leadership of the church in this transformation of our society, I would like to think there is joy in heaven today and the spirit of our departed leaders is present,” he said.
On his part, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu expressed gratitude for the presence of distinguished guests and the support of the Christian community and for this year’s All Saints’ Day which holds extra significance.
“Today is All Saints’ Day, celebrated all over the world,” Archbishop Kaziimba shared. “We decided to celebrate it uniquely, as you have seen. Thank you for coming and spending this wonderful moment with us,” he added.
The Archbishop offered particular thanks to President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady Janet Museveni, whose attendance was warmly received. “Your presence has given All Saints’ Cathedral motivation and joy. We appreciate you both.”
He also thanked Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi for his leadership saying; “Thank you, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, for the great work you have done as the Chairperson, Organising Committee, and the whole committee.”
Kaziimba also extended his appreciation to all Christians who contributed significantly to the cathedral’s construction and to Assistant Bishop Hannington Mutebi for his dedicated service to the diocese. “We are grateful to Bishop Mutebi for his good services during his time with us,” he said.
Also in attendance on Friday were the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. David Bahati, the State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sam Kuteesa, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Hellen Asamo, the State Minister for Disability Affairs, among other dignitaries.
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