Makerere’s St Augustine Chapel celebrates 85 years of spiritual impact

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On Sunday, April 12, 2026, hundreds of former students, current students, staff and well-wishers gathered at Makerere University Freedom Square to celebrate the 85th anniversary of St Augustine Chapel, the spiritual centre for the university’s Catholic community.

The pontifical thanksgiving Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere. The reigning chaplain of St Augustine community, Fr Josephat Ddungu, and over a dozen other Catholic priests concelebrated.

Catholic clerics look on as Vice-President Jessica Alupo breaks the ground for the redevelopment of St. Augustine Students' Center, Makerere University on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Extreme left is Hon. Francis Mwebesa.

The brass band from Caltec Academy Makerere leading the procession for mass.

Delivering his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Ssemogerere encouraged students and other members of the Catholic community at Makerere to take advantage of the presence of the Church at the university to deepen their spirituality. He also asked them to pursue excellence in their academic pursuits.

“True education must form not only the intellect but also the heart. For 85 years, St Augustine Chapel has faithfully supported that mission. Here, students have prayed before examinations, sought guidance in moments of uncertainty, and encountered Christ in the Sacraments. Quietly, this place has formed men and women not only of leaning but of character and purpose. The presence of the church within the university is a great gift, affirming the harmony of faith and reason. Let this chapel be your refuge and guide,” Ssemogerere said.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was the chief guest, commended the successive chaplains, assistant chaplains and lay leaders of St Augustine Catholic Chaplaincy for providing spiritual and moral guidance to generations of students, staff and alumni at the university.

She acknowledged with even deeper gratitude the chaplaincy’s successive priests, religious and lay leaders for their dedication to nurturing morally upright and academically competent graduates.

“Since its founding in 1941, St Augustine Chapel has faithfully enhanced the academic life of Makerere University. It has been a place where intellect meets faith, where questions meet prayer, and where the pursuit of knowledge is guided by the light of the Gospel. We honour the alumni who carry into society the values formed here. We commend the present leadership for preserving and strengthening this noble heritage,” said Alupo.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (second-left) shares a moment with Fr. Josephat Ddungu (left), Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu (third-left), Fr. Pontian Kaweesa (fourth-left) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. This was during the celebration of the 85th anniversary of St Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The reigning chaplain, Fr Josephat Ddungu, thanked his predecessor chaplains and all priests and religious who have lived and served at St Augustine Chaplaincy over the decades.

The vice chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, also praised St Augustine Chaplaincy and pledged greater support.

“As the region’s leading institution of higher learning, Makerere University remains committed to the development of well-rounded graduates who not only excel academically but also embody integrity, compassion and a sense of responsibility to society. The presence and active engagement of faith communities such as St. Augustine play an important role in reinforcing these values by guiding young people through a formative period of their lives," Nawangwe said.

"For over eight decades, St Augustine has stood as a pillar of faith and moral formation. As we celebrate the significant anniversary, I encourage St Augustine Community to continue building on this strong foundation of faith, service and unity.

Earlier, before mass, VP Alupo broke ground for the proposed St Augustine Students’ Centre extension project, towards which President Yoweri Museveni donated sh30m. The former chaplain, Msgr Dr Lawrence Kanyike, donated sh50m. The alumni of St Mary’s College Kisubi, and Centenary Bank also donated sh10m and sh15m, respectively.

During the same function, a number of stakeholders, including Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala, Msgr Kanyike and Prof. Nawangwe, were given accolades for their exceptional contribution to the ministry and growth of St Augustine Chaplaincy.

History of St Augustine Chaplaincy

According to the records of the Church, St Augustine Chapel, Makerere University, was opened in 1941. The Catholic community at the university was nonetheless already in existence and was previously ministered to by non-resident missionary priests.

A spectacle of the offertory procession.

Catholic clerics led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (holding a crosier) share a photo-moment with Vice-President Jessica Alupo (on the archbishop's immediate left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (fourth-left) and other dignitaries after the thanksgiving mass for the celebration of the 85th anniversary of St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Rev. Fr Adhemar D'Aray Nadon (White Father) was the chaplain from 1929 to 1930.

The Mill Hill Fathers from Nsambya also served as chaplains before Fr Paul Forster, a Dominican priest and first resident chaplain, who served until 1961.

Other chaplains

Fr John Maguire (Salesian of Don Bosco, from 1962 to 1967).

Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala (served from 1968 to 1973).

Fr Dr David Kiyingi (1974 to 1978).

Fr Dr David Kyeyune (1978 to 1984).

Msgr Dr Larry Kanyike (1984 to 2014).

Fr Josephat Ddungu (from 2014 to date).