Sh1.5bn needed for Namirembe Cathedral pipe organ repairs

KAMPALA - About sh1.5bn is needed to repair the pipe organ at St Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe. The organ, which was installed in the Cathedral 87 years ago, has developed several mechanical problems, which necessitates it to be completely overhauled.

The Vice-Chairman of the Cathedral Organ Restoration Committee, the Rt Hon Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule said the project would be done in three phases, in a period of three years.

He said the estimated sh1.bn would cover the purchase and importation of spare parts from Germany, the accommodation/feeding of the engineer (from Britain) at a city hotel, and the training of a Ugandan engineer who will take care of the organ in the future.

Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, the Vice-Chairman of the Namirembe Cathedral Pipe Organ Restoration Committee briefs the congregation about the status of the organ

 
According to online sources, the price for a new pipe-organ is about sh200m. So, buying a new organ would seem cheaper. But Mugumbule explained that the pipe organ at Namirembe is historical and actually, one of its kind in Uganda and Africa. He also said the estimated figure was given in consideration of the cost of buying and transporting the spare parts, the taxes to be levied on them, and the three-year duration of the project.

Mugumbule unveiled the Cathedral Organ Restoration Project during Paul Luggya's organ concert at Namirembe Cathedral recently.

A section of organist Luggya's fans during the show

 
"What Luggya has been doing is to demonstrate to you the musical wonders of this organ and what we lose if we let it break down completely. So, we shall soon invite you to fundraise for the project."

During his concert, Paul Luggya played organ musical works such as Bonnet's Variations de Concert, Bach's Concerto in D Minor BWV 596, Marcel Dupre's Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in G Minor, Edwin Lemare's Andantino and Handel's Largo.

Luggya in action during his concert at St Paul's Cathedral Namirembe

 

The towering organist was at his best as he performed Pomp and Circumstance, a popular military march written by Sir Edward Elgar, a distinguished British Composer, and Conductor (1857 -1934). He lavished great skill, expressive power, and utmost perfection as he performed the slow-march musical work.

The concert also featured Bivuga Sinfonia, a string ensemble of youthful musicians, also based at Namirembe Cathedral.

A section of Bivuga Sinfonia in action during Luggya's concert