Kampala – All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala (ASCK), the seat of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, is set to mark a major milestone with the opening of its new 5000-seater Cathedral on November 1, 2024. The event will also feature the consecration of a new Assistant Bishop, the ordination of new clergy, and the installation of Canons.
The new Cathedral, which has been under construction since 2010, represents a significant expansion of the church’s worship space and marks a new era for the congregation.
Archbishop Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu expressed his gratitude to God for the provision of resources and efforts by members of the church, individual well-wishers, and corporates during a press conference at the cathedral premises in Kampala on Thursday.
“We are grateful to the Lord for the provision of resources and efforts by Members of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala, individual well-wishers, and corporates, and our partner in mission and ministry for prayers and giving. May God continue to bless us all!” He said
The event is expected to attract over 3000 people, including dignitaries from within and abroad. The Guest of Honor is expected to be President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Guest Preacher will be Rt. Rev. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese.
According to Vivian Igundura, Chairperson of the All-Saints’ Cathedral Project (ACP), the construction costs have reached 18 billion Uganda shillings, with final costs expected to be around 25 billion shillings.
“The estimates by the architects were initially higher, but the teams that came before us have been prudent, and we don’t expect the final costs to exceed 25 billion shillings.” Said Igundura
She noted that the cathedral features diocesan offices, parish offices, two levels of parking, two chapels, and a prayer tower, among others.
During the event, Venerable Rev Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa will be consecrated as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, taking over from Dr. Hannington Mutebi who announced his retirement at the end of 2024. The event will also see the ordination of new clergy and the installation of Canons of All Saints’ Cathedral.
The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, notes that the committee has set a budget of Ugandan Shillings 700 million for the event and is appealing for contributions to support the celebrations.
“This is a significant event, and we must work hard to bring out the beauty of each function. We appeal to all God’s people to contribute towards the function for a well-organized day.” He stated
A brief history of All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala
All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala was founded in 1912 as a chapel to serve the European colonial community in Kampala. After Uganda gained independence in 1962, the chapel was elevated to a parish church and began to serve a more diverse congregation. In 1972, it was designated as a Pro-Cathedral and later as a Cathedral for the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Over the years, the Cathedral has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing congregation.