Archbishop Ssemogerere unveils Rubaga Cathedral centennial monuments

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When the celebrations of the centenary of Rubaga Cathedral were launched about three months ago, several projects were proposed as monuments to mark the grand occasion.

The most prominent among them are the newly constructed two-level parking yard and the redeveloped storied presbytery.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a biretta) cuts a tape to commission the newly-redeveloped presbytery of Rubaga Cathedral parish on Sunday, October 25, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The two centennial monuments were officially launched by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, during the grand celebration at the cathedral on October 26, 2025.

Archbishop Ssemogerere paid tribute to the chairman of the Centennial Organising Committee, Engineer Pius Mugalaasi, the head of the fundraising sub-committee, Fred Kiyimba Freeman, and all committee members for a task well accomplished.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir of Lubaga Cathedral leading a song during the commissioning of the centennial monument presbytery. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Eng. Mugalaasi said they managed to raise sh1.8bn, which is 80% of the total amount required to complete all the centennial projects. He added that the proposed redevelopments would continue even after the celebration.

What you missed

The grand celebration of the centenary of Rubaga Cathedral featured many spectacular moments that will not easily be forgotten.

The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a mitre) sprinkles holy water on the Catholic faithful during the processison of the Pontifical mass for the celebration of the centenary of Rubaga Cathedral on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The massive congregation that attended the event was a marvel in itself. The mass choir (Sacred Heart Choir), which brought together all the choirs that minister at the cathedral, performed exceptionally well, both in appearance and delivery. The choristers displayed admirable skill as they sang hymns in both Western and traditional African styles.

The Police Band, which performed alongside the choir, and the children’s music and dance ensemble, which provided cabaret entertainment during the reception at the cathedral parish playground, added vibrancy to the function.

A partial spectacle of the newly-redeveloped presbytery of Rubaga Cathedral parish that Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere commissioned on Sunday, October 26. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The celebration also promoted ecumenism and national unity. It was inspiring to see Anglican prelates such as the Church of Uganda Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Bishop Moses Banja of Namirembe Diocese, Sheikh Hamid Sserwadda from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, and representatives from the Orthodox and Seventh-Day Adventist Churches join their Catholic brethren in the celebration.

Catholic clearics led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a purple casSock and a skull cap) and Archbishop Augstine Kasujja (wearing a black cassock) cutting cake with the Papal Knights and leaders of the Catholic laity. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Equally striking was the attendance of political and cultural leaders, including DP president general Norbert Mao, lands minister Judith Nabakooba, Kampala minister Minsa Kabanda, NUP’s Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, higher education state minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, and members of the Buganda royal family, such as Prince David Wassajja, all participated in the celebration with a strong sense of unity.