As preparations continue to strengthen Uganda’s most prominent Anglican pilgrimage site, the Church of Uganda has announced plans to construct a large modern church at Namugongo to respond to the steadily growing number of worshippers and pilgrims.
The proposed development will see the construction of a new church building with a seating capacity of 3,000 people, alongside additional supporting facilities designed to enhance worship, administration and visitor experience at the shrine.
The plan was disclosed by Rev. Canon Michael Waswa Ssentamu, the Archdeacon of Namugongo Archdeaconry.
Rev. Canon Ssentamu said the new church forms part of a broader redevelopment programme aimed at modernising and expanding the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine.
He explained that the shrine is already undergoing phased redevelopment to improve infrastructure and accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims who visit the site annually, especially during the Uganda Martyrs’ celebrations.
He noted that architectural designs for the proposed archdeaconry church are in advanced stages.
He said implementation of the project is expected to begin within the next three years.
Rev. Canon Ssentamu called on clergy, laity, partners and well-wishers to actively contribute ideas, resources and technical support to ensure the project is successfully delivered.
He emphasised that collective ownership of the project will be key to its long-term sustainability.
The announcement was made during a Sunday service held at Namugongo Martyrs’ Church of Uganda.
The service was themed “Celebrating the Feast of Harvest by Giving the First Fruits.”
The service was led by members of the Baganda community.
During the sermon, Rev. Dr. Andrew Nalumenya, the Mission Coordinator at Namugongo Archdeaconry, urged believers to recognise and appreciate God’s blessings.
He encouraged Christians to give back generously and share with others in obedience to God’s will before seeking further blessings.
He stressed that thanksgiving through giving remains a core Christian principle that strengthens both faith and community.
Providing details on the scope of the project, the Head of Planning at the archdeaconry level, Moses Kiwanuka Sebyala, said the estimated cost of the new church stands at UGX 6 billion.
He explained that the expanded capacity will significantly ease congestion during major pilgrimage events.
He added that the new facility will further strengthen Namugongo’s role as a leading spiritual and national religious centre.
He revealed that the church will be constructed at Pine Gardens, within the wider shrine precincts.
Youth leaders also pledged support for the project.
Ivan Mwanda, the youth leader of the Baganda Community Youth at Namugongo Archdeaconry–Uganda Martyrs’ Church of Uganda, appealed to young people to take an active role in supporting the construction.
He emphasised the importance of unity, volunteerism and collective responsibility.
He noted that meaningful youth participation will be critical to the long-term growth and development of the shrine.
Namugongo Archdeaconry is one of the newest administrative units within the Church of Uganda.
It falls under Namirembe Diocese.
The archdeaconry was officially inaugurated in October 2024.
Ven. Canon Michael Waswa Ssentamu was installed as its first Archdeacon.
The creation of the archdeaconry was intended to decentralise church administration and bring pastoral leadership closer to surrounding communities.
It now serves parishes around the historic Uganda Martyrs Anglican Shrine, including Rosary, GAD and neighbouring congregations.
Church leaders say the planned construction of the new 3,000-seater church represents both a spiritual and infrastructural milestone in preserving the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs while preparing Namugongo for future generations of worshippers.
