Africa-Press – Uganda. The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has called on the faithful to demonstrate greater generosity towards the Church, particularly in supporting the restoration of Lubaga Cathedral, ahead of its centenary celebrations in October.
Addressing a gathering at Lubaga Cathedral, the Archbishop raised his concerns about individuals with significant wealth who have chosen to withhold their resources from contributing to the work of God.
His comments came during the ongoing “Lamaga Yoyoota Lubaga” fundraising campaign, which aims to raise funds for the renovation of the Cathedral ahead of its 100-year jubilee on October 26, 2025.
In his speech, Archbishop Ssemogerere welcomed members of Catholic action groups from the Kampala Archdiocese, who had gathered to donate towards the refurbishment efforts.
The Archbishop acknowledged the groups that had already pledged their support, including St. Jude Thaddeus, the Legion of Mary, and others, as well as the Vicariate of Matara Maria and several individual donors. Collectively, they raised more than 70 million Ugandan shillings to aid the renovation project.
“You can have all the wealth in the world, but if you keep it to yourself instead of using it for the work of God, it will amount to nothing,” the Archbishop remarked, as he laughed at those reluctant to contribute. “A time may come when all your wealth will fail to help you. It is better to support God’s work now.”
The Archbishop emphasised the importance of the Cathedral’s restoration as a symbol of faith for the entire Archdiocese. Lubaga Cathedral, a historical landmark, stands as a beacon of Catholicism in the region. The renovation project is a part of the Church’s effort to preserve this sacred site for future generations.
The fundraising campaign has gained significant momentum since its launch, with the Chairperson of the fundraising committee, Mr. Freeman Kiyimba, announcing that in just two and a half months, the initiative has raised a staggering 1.45 billion Ugandan shillings.
Kiyimba encouraged all members of the community, including politicians, to contribute to this noble cause, underscoring that the preservation of the Cathedral transcends individual political ambitions.
“We are thankful for the generosity shown by all those who have contributed so far,” Kiyimba said. “But we still need more support to ensure that the renovation is completed on time.”
The Chairperson of the construction committee, Eng. Pius Mugalaasi, assured the faithful that despite the challenges faced in the project, the renovation works are on track and will be completed before the jubilee celebrations.
“The Cathedral will be ready for the centenary celebrations on October 26,” Mugalaasi stated confidently. “We are committed to ensuring that the renovation meets the highest standards while preserving the historic integrity of the Cathedral.”
Archbishop Ssemogerere also urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and continue to support the restoration efforts through prayer and financial contributions. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Church but reiterated that the unwavering faith of the people would see them through.
“The work of God is never easy, but with your continued support and prayer, we will overcome all obstacles,” he said.
The ongoing “Lamaga Yoyoota Lubaga 100” fundraising campaign will continue until October 15, 2025. The Archbishop called on all Catholics and well-wishers to contribute generously to ensure that the Cathedral remains a place of spiritual nourishment for future generations.
Lubaga Cathedral, established in 1925, holds a significant place in the history of the Catholic Church in Uganda. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Kampala and one of the oldest and most revered churches in the country.
As the countdown to the centenary celebrations begins, the Archbishop’s call for unity and generosity resonates, with hopes that the community will come together to preserve this iconic symbol of faith for the next century.
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