Northern Uganda Diocese plans Shs1.4 billion new Cathedral

Gulu, Uganda | URN | The Northern Uganda Diocese of the Church of Uganda plans to construct a new 1,700-seater cathedral in Gulu City at an estimated cost of Shs1.4 billion, while preserving its existing cathedral, which was built more than a century ago. The proposed cathedral is intended to provide additional space for worshippers as the diocese responds to the growing number of Christians in the area.

The proposed cathedral will be constructed on vacant diocesan land a few metres from St. Philip’s Cathedral in Bardege-Layibi Division. Bishop Godfrey Loum said on Wednesday that the project was recently approved by the diocesan synod, with construction expected to begin before the end of this year and take about four years.

He said the Diocese initially considered expanding and modernising St. Philip’s Cathedral but abandoned the proposal because of the building’s historical and cultural significance. The new cathedral’s architectural design has already been developed. Bishop Loum said the main auditorium will accommodate about 1,400 worshippers, while a gallery will provide additional space, bringing the total capacity to about 1,700 people.

Bishop Loum said the Diocese has submitted the architectural plans to Gulu City authorities and is awaiting the remaining approvals from the Physical Planning Department. He said soil testing is also required before construction can begin, with the results expected to inform aspects of the final construction plan.

The Bishop said the Diocese has not yet launched a public fundraising campaign because it first wants to obtain the necessary approvals and incorporate recommendations from the soil testing. He said the Diocese will finance part of the project, while Christians, friends, partners and well-wishers will be expected to contribute towards the remaining cost.

The decision to preserve the old cathedral has received the backing of the Church of Uganda Archbishop, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu. Kaziimba presided over a groundbreaking ceremony for the new cathedral on Sunday during his visit to Northern Uganda Diocese to bid farewell to Christians ahead of his retirement in August 2027.

Addressing hundreds of Christians at St. Philip’s Cathedral, Kaziimba urged the Diocese to preserve the existing church because of its historical significance. He also encouraged Christians to support the new construction project rather than remain attached to the old building.

“Support the bishop as he builds the cathedral. It is not his personal project; it is yours,” Kaziimba said. St. Philip’s Cathedral was built in 1913 and is one of the historic landmarks of the Church of Uganda in Northern Uganda. The Diocese now intends to retain the building while developing a larger worship facility nearby.

Kaziimba, who was enthroned as the ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda in March 2020, is due to retire in August 2027 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 for Church of Uganda archbishops.

During his tenure, the Northern Uganda Diocese has recorded an increase in the number of local churches at parish level, from 288 to 386, according to the Diocese. The Diocese has also promoted coffee growing and supported communities affected by hunger in the Karamoja Sub-region.