Africa-Press – Uganda. Apostle Grace Lubega, founder and lead pastor of Phaneroo Ministries International, has drawn both praise and criticism after announcing plans to construct a $55 million (about Shs200 billion) cathedral at the ministry’s Naguru campus in Kampala.
Lubega unveiled the ambitious project during a Sunday service, saying it would be funded entirely through faith and internal giving, without relying on fundraising drives or bank loans.
“I know people who have the money but don’t have the faith. I know there is a young man in the ministry who doesn’t have a job, but he is telling God, ‘I wanna give a million dollars.’ He doesn’t have a job, but he has the heart,” he told congregants.
The statement and the project’s cost triggered a cascade of reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where many weighed in on the church’s priorities in a country grappling with widespread poverty, underfunded healthcare, and infrastructure challenges.
One user, @blair_Kizza, commented: “$55 million to build a church is just crazy. That money is enough to set up a high-level hospital that can actually meaningfully change lives. But anyway, what do I know…”
Another, @LoneChildMJB, posted sarcastically: “If you know what reverse psychology is, this man knows how to play that card so well. Congratulations Phaneroo, $55M! It’s now a competition. Kakande yatukola bubi.”
Still, supporters of the initiative defended both its intent and feasibility. @DrNuelMuhumuza tweeted: “Apostle Grace Lubega only preaches to rich men and women! $55M remains too little for what many of us expected the cathedral to cost. And we will build that cathedral.”
Others pointed to the right of religious institutions to define their own goals. @GirlQueen76 wrote: “It’s deeply disappointing to see people attacking Apostle Grace Lubega over his plans to build a $55m church. Let’s be clear: the responsibilities some of you are demanding from him—like fixing roads, building hospitals, or addressing national infrastructure—are the duty of the government.”
The proposed project, which has yet to reveal architectural designs or a construction timeline, is being positioned by the ministry as a symbol of faith, prosperity, and divine excellence. It would be one of the most expensive church buildings ever proposed in Uganda.
Lubega, who is known for his charismatic sermons and large following, has not responded directly to the backlash but maintained that the church’s vision will be fulfilled through commitment and faith among believers.
As the conversation continues to trend online, the $55 million figure remains both a point of inspiration and controversy—drawing attention to the intersection of faith, money, and public expectation in Uganda’s religious landscape.
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