Rubaga Cathedral turns 100 as Museveni joins jubilant faithful

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made a surprise appearance at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Rubaga, on Sunday, October 26, thrilling thousands of Christians gathered to celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary.

The historic cathedral in Rubaga Division, Kampala, was filled to capacity as worshippers from across the country joined in the centennial mass, with hundreds more participating from outside, where giant tents and screens were set up to accommodate the overflow.

The Pontifical High Mass was being presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere. Concelebrants included Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja, Bishop Servetus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese, Msgr. Dr Richard Kayondo from Lugazi Diocese, Monsignor George, the secretary to the Nunciature, and several other priests.

The celebration also attracted ecumenical participation, with the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Bishop Moses Banja of Namirembe Diocese, and representatives from the Orthodox and Seventh-day Adventist Churches in attendance. The Muslim community was represented by Sheikh Ahmad Sserwadda.

Earlier in the day, Archbishop Ssemogerere blessed and commissioned two centennial monuments—the two-level car park and the three-level presbytery—and planted a memorial tree to mark the milestone.

President Museveni excites Christians

The celebration reached its peak when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made a surprise appearance at around 10am, drawing loud cheers from the congregation.

Although the President did not attend the mass due to his tight schedule, he addressed the gathering, congratulating the Catholic faithful on the 100th anniversary of Rubaga Cathedral.

He also expressed gratitude to the missionaries and local Christians who contributed to its construction and growth.

Museveni encouraged believers to work hard and fight poverty in their homes. Citing the Biblical parable of the talents, he criticised those who misinterpret scripture and become complacent. 

“Christians have the obligation to work hard, get money and be able to support the Church, the country and their homesteads,” he said.

After his address, the President entered the cathedral to present his offering.

Archbishop Ssemogerere’s appeal

In his welcoming remarks, Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked President Museveni for creating a favourable environment for divine worship.

However, he urged the government to do more to address the problem of land grabbing, noting that the vice has not spared the Church and its institutions.

The mass attracted numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the higher education state minister, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo. Buganda kingdom was represented by the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, and the speaker of the Lukiiko, Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule.

The centennial celebration was held under the theme: “The Temple of God is Sacred, You Are That Temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).