Kampala, Uganda – Thousands of Catholic faithful, government officials, and dignitaries filled St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga on Sunday for a grand celebration marking 100 years since its consecration in 1925. The Mass, held under the theme “The Temple of God is Sacred, and You Are the Temple” (1 Corinthians 3:17), was both a thanksgiving and a reflection on the cathedral’s long history as the heart of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
From early morning, the hilltop cathedral buzzed with music, prayers, and color as pilgrims arrived from across the country—some on foot, others by bus and car. Television stations, including NTV, NBS, and UBC, broadcast the ceremony live.
President Yoweri Museveni attended the Mass, joining bishops, cultural leaders, politicians, and the military. His presence highlighted the close ties between Uganda’s leadership and its Christian heritage.
The main Mass was led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who urged the faithful to see the centenary as a time for renewal.
“This sacred place has witnessed joys and sorrows, baptisms and burials for a century,” he said. “We are called to become living temples of God’s grace in our homes and communities.”
Archbishop Ssemogerere also confirmed the cathedral’s official name as St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, based on church records from Rome—ending years of public confusion over whether it was “Rubaga” or “Lubaga.”
Preparations for the celebration began in June, leading to a major facelift for the cathedral—the largest since 1976. The restoration, costing about Shs 2.4 billion, included repainting, landscaping, and installing new lighting and sound systems.
A national fundraising drive, led by Freeman Kiyimba, raised about Shs 1.6 billion by the event day. Donations included Shs 20 million from the UPDF, Shs 10 million from Mbarara Diocese alumni, and Shs 5 million from the Democratic Party. Centenary Bank sponsored event tents and pledged Shs 100 million for ongoing works, including a planned pipe organ worth nearly Shs 4.9 billion.
Built on the former palace grounds of Kabaka Mutesa I, Rubaga Cathedral holds deep historical significance. It was consecrated on October 26, 1925, by Bishop Joseph Biermans of the White Fathers and has since hosted two popes—St. John Paul II in 1993 and Pope Francis in 2019. Despite surviving political unrest, including the Amin era, it remains a symbol of faith and resilience.
After Mass, the faithful joined in cultural performances, fellowship, and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.
“This isn’t just about buildings,” said a pilgrim from Masaka. “It’s about the generations who have prayed here—the martyrs, the dreamers, and the believers.”
For Uganda’s 13 million Catholics, the centenary was a powerful reminder of gratitude and unity. Archbishop Ssemogerere called on the faithful to continue the mission of evangelization and called on those present to respect the body of Christ, which is the body of each and every one of us – he called against acts of torture and mistreatment of our fellows.
