Lubaga Cathedral at 100: Archbishop Ssemogerere Calls for Holiness and Unity

The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has called on Christians to renew their faith, live in holiness, and embrace unity as St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, celebrated its 100th anniversary since consecration.

Presiding over the historic centenary Mass at Lubaga Hill, Archbishop Ssemogerere described the day as a “moment of deep joy and thanksgiving,” marking a century since the cathedral was consecrated on October 31, 1925.

“This celebration invites us to look back with gratitude upon the faith that inspired our forefathers, especially the Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers, who led the construction of this cathedral,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

He clarified that, according to official Church records in Rome, the cathedral’s official name is St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, not Sacred Heart Cathedral as some have previously referred to it.

The archbishop paid tribute to the missionaries, early converts, and the Kingdom of Buganda, particularly Kabaka Mwanga, who donated his royal palace land on which the cathedral stands. He emphasized that Lubaga Cathedral remains a sacred place where “God continues to make His people.”

Reflecting on the day’s theme, “The Temple of God is Holy; You Are That Temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17), Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded the faithful that holiness begins in the heart.

“As we keep our churches clean and dignified like this one, so must we keep our hearts pure, for God desires to dwell in us,” he said. “Let us respect one another, for each person is a temple of God.”

Citing the Gospel parable of the humble tax collector, he urged believers to approach worship with humility and repentance, assuring that God listens to those who pray with sincerity.

The archbishop recounted the many blessings and milestones of Lubaga Cathedral over the past 100 years, including visits by three Popes — Pope Paul VI (1969), Pope John Paul II (1993), and Pope Francis (2015).

He noted that the cathedral has hosted several Episcopal ordinations, including those of the late Bishop Joseph Mukwaya (1982), Archbishop Augustine Kasujja (1998), and Bishop Christopher Kakooza (1999).

Archbishop Ssemogerere also recalled the cathedral’s ecumenical legacy, highlighting the 1984 joint Bible service led by Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga and Dr Robert Runcie, then Archbishop of Canterbury, as a sign of enduring Christian unity.

“I would like to thank His Grace, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, for his presence here, and my brother Bishop Christopher Banja. Their presence reflects the true spirit of unity in Christ,” he added.

The archbishop connected the centenary celebration to the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Universal Church, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” He said Lubaga Cathedral, designated as one of the official pilgrimage sites, stands as a “beacon of faith and hope in a world filled with challenges.”

He thanked all those who supported the “Yoyota” fundraising initiative for the cathedral’s restoration, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who contributed UGX 300 million through Vice President Jessica Alupo.

“Many people, including non-Catholics, supported this cause simply because they recognised Lubaga as a holy place,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said. “May the Lord bless you abundantly for your sacrifice and generosity.”

Archbishop Ssemogerere further urged Ugandans to deepen their faith and live as “living temples of God.”

“This centenary should awaken in us a deeper faith, stronger hope, and renewed commitment to holiness,” he said. “Through the intercession of Mary, the mother of God, may Lubaga Cathedral remain forever a shining symbol of faith and unity in our Church and nation.”

The celebration, attended by President Yoweri Museveni, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, bishops, clergy, and thousands of pilgrims marked a century of faith, unity, and national heritage rooted at the heart of Uganda’s Catholic Church.

In his speech, the president challenged the faithful to take seriously the examples from the parable of talents and St Paul’s Thessalonians message on hard work, provision and community support.

“I call upon you all to concentrate more on the parable of talents and the message of St Paul; whoever does not work, will not eat. My challenge to you, therefore, is to work so you get out of poverty, that you may support the church, the state and your families; this is the message I and the NRM concur with. It is the best Christian Doctrine besides one that says love your neighbour as you love yourself.”

The President, also while using the parable of the good Samaritan, called for unity among Ugandans, urging that the NRM’s message is premised on the pillar of interest rather than identity.

According to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a man was robbed, beaten and left for dead; he was not helped by a priest and Levite but by another passer-by, a Samaritan who was a member of a disliked group by the Jews.

Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked the President for continuously standing in solidarity with the church, urging that it is a testimony that faith remains a “pillar in building our nation”.

He prayed for the nation for peace to prevail in the election season, and called upon the youth to use their energy to build rather than break the country. The archbishop also cautioned leaders to inspire unity and love for God and the country.

He appealed to the government to make swift interventions in the issues of land grabbing, which he says have plagued the country.

“We draw your attention to concerns in our country regarding land grabbing.  We appeal to your continued leadership and interventions so that this issue can be addressed firmly and justly,” he said.

“We shall know them by their fruits,” President Museveni quoted, adding that, “In the NRM, we do not care about who but what the person has done. Just like the bible says, let your light shine before men, that they may see your works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. We therefore need to be real Christians guided by this parable.”