Hundreds of faithful converged at Lubaga Cathedral to witness the celebrations of the Centennial consecration of Saint Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga that was held on 31st October 1925.
It was Bishop Henry Streicher then who consecrated the temple of God, a White Father whose contribution as one of the White Missionaries who evangelized Uganda can never be underrated.
Before the Current Cathedral at least 8 small structures (churches) were constructed and demolished.
This was revealed by Most Reverend Paul Ssemogerere the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese while leading the Centennial Celebration of St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga on 26th October 2025.
He co-celebrated with Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Bishop Serverus Jjumba, Monsignors and Priests.
The celebrations marked under the Theme; “The Temple of God is Sacred. You Are That Temple,” drawn from 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, focuses on the sacredness of the cathedral and that believers are the living temples of God.
Archbishop Ssemogerere emphasized that both Christians and non Christians must strive to keep a pure heart pure that God can dwell in. This is through humility, respect and love for others irrespective of any affiliation.
He questioned why some people act with impunity by abusing, mistreating or torture fellow Ugandans, using the same opportunity to remind all Ugandans that the process of elections a head of the general elections come January 2025, should give a chance to everyone to elect leaders of their choice. Security agencies should never be used to abuse the rights and freedoms of citizens.
He said the Pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda produced in March 2025, entitled; “The truth will set you free – John 8:31-32 give elaborate points that must be accessed by all for guidance during this period.
On the side of historical remarks of St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga, the temple of God, sacrifices and sacraments have been celebrated, the Cathedral has seen three Popes; Pope Paul VI in 1969, Pope John Paul II 1993 and Pope Francis in 2015.
The Cathedral has also graced Three Episcopal Ordinations; Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Mukwaya in 1982, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja in 1998 and Rt. Rev. Bishop Christopher Kakooza in 1999.
It was also in the same cathedral where the Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie, met Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga in 1984 a sign of Christian Unity and a gesture of ecumenical fraternity.
This has been repeated at the centennial celebration today 26th October 2025 with the presence of Archbishop Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu and Bishop Moses Banja of the Namirembe Diocese from the Anglican Church and Muslim Sheiks.
Archbishop Ssemogerere said the centennial celebration (100 yrs), the cathedral stands as a beckon of faith and hope for all including those in government (NRM), whom he implored to change in their way of service to Ugandans.
He was grateful for the generous contribution from the Catholics, well-wishers and friends who supported the fundraising drive dubbed “Yooyoota” to raise Shs 2.4billion budgeted to refurbish the cathedral and other facilities; pointing out the central government that also came in with Shs 300 contribution towards the same cause.
The Mass was graced by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on behalf of all those from the central government and Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayega from the Buganda Kingdom.
President Yoweri Museveni also paid tribute to the white fathers who build the cathedral in his brief message outside the cathedral before the Eucharistic celebration started.
By Jjunju Francis
26th Oct 2025
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