Kampala – President Yoweri Museveni on Friday presided over the grand opening of the New 5000 seater All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala, alongside First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The new cathedral boasts a 45-metre bell tower, bishop’s office, two-level underground parking, four chapels, coffee centre, and library among others.
President Museveni congratulated Christians upon giving the Archbishop a befitting Cathedral.
In his remarks, the president urged Christians to be good examples to the non-believers through their actions. “…Scripture teaches us to shine our light before men, so they may witness our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven.”
He expressed disappointment with individuals who claim to be Christians but fail to live up to their faith’s principles. “I’m not impressed by people who merely profess Christianity, but their lifestyle doesn’t reflect it. “Their actions should inspire others, demonstrating a good life for themselves and setting a positive example for others,” he noted
President Yoweri Museveni concluded his remarks by announcing a generous donation of 100 million shillings from his personal savings to support the completion of the Cathedral. Additionally, in his capacity as President of Uganda, he pledged a substantial 1 billion shillings from the next financial year’s budget.
The new cathedral, under construction since 2010, has already utilized 18 billion shillings, with the interior work now complete. An additional 7.5 billion shillings is required to finish the exterior works, bringing the project to its anticipated completion.
Friday’s event also featured the consecration of Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa as Assistant Bishop, succeeding Dr. Hannington Mutebi. The new Assistant Bishop was gifted a brand-new car by President Yoweri Museveni.
The event also included the ordination of new clergy and installation of Canons.
Earlier in his remarks, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu thanked the President for his moral and financial backing, citing the provision of transportation for all bishops and a conducive environment for outreach.
Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu presented President Museveni and the First Lady with gifts – two Bibles – as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.
In his sermon, the day’s preacher, Bishop Alfred Olwa of the Diocese of Lango
urged the congregation to reach out to drug addicts, robbers, and other vulnerable individuals on the streets, offering the gospel of salvation. He envisioned the cathedral as a hub for evangelism, sending members out to spread the message and fill the church.
“This is not going to be a beautiful church for weddings per se, but for sending every member out there to evangelize. Then they will come into this church and fill it – 5,000 will be nothing. Once you’re evangelizing and once Jesus is at work, and then the church must be able to act and take care of these reformed people,” Bishop Olwa
In his first address as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, Rev. Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa mentioned effective children and youth ministry, intentional discipleship, and community outreach beyond church walls as top priorities.
He also underscored the importance of prayer in urban areas, where many seek support and encouragement.
“Many people in the city need support and encouragement all the time. Prayer becomes an anchor for their faith in God. However, since many are not equipped to pray, they seek experts in prayer to prophesy and pray for them. We must aim to be a praying church, equipping our Christians to learn to pray. We must immerse everything at every stage in prayer, because prayer works,” said Bishop Baalwa
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.
Impressive news report.