1 Billion Shillings is given to Lubaga Cathedraw to mark 100 Years

Lubaga Cathedral Undergoes Major Facelift Ahead of 100-Year Celebration

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, is in the middle of a massive renovation drive as it gears up to mark 100 years since its consecration. The centenary celebrations are set for October 26, 2025.

According to Eng. Pius Mugalasi Mugerwa, chairperson of the renovation committee, the project carries a budget of Shs 2.5 billion, with half of that earmarked for renovation and development works. “Our target is to have everything completed before the big day,” he said.

Visible Upgrades

Scaffolding and ladders currently surround the historic cathedral, signaling the scale of activity underway. Plans include the construction of a multi-story parking facility to ease traffic congestion, an upgrade of the existing parking area, and the introduction of digital signage to replace scattered signposts.

The iconic statue of the Virgin Mary will be refurbished, while the outer fence will get a facelift with new gates and a central walkway leading to the statue. The front yard is set for fresh paving and seating.

Inside, modern lighting and an upgraded sound system will be installed. The episcopal tombs will be reorganized to create three new resting spaces for future archbishops, while the priests’ cemetery will also be improved.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere welcomed the progress but stressed that the committee is focusing on what is practical at the moment. “Not everything can be done at once,” he quipped, pointing to the decades-long renovations at St. Peter’s Basilica as an example.

A Work Still in Progress

Architectural plans reveal that Lubaga Cathedral has never been fully completed as originally envisioned. The two front towers, for instance, were left unfinished after its construction. Alongside the cathedral, renovations are also underway at the Archbishop’s residence, priests’ offices, and a community playground.

A Century of Resilience

Construction of the current cathedral began in 1914, and it was consecrated on December 31, 1925. It stands on the former palace grounds of Kabaka Muteesa I of Buganda.

According to Fr. Yves Tourigny’s book St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga, the cathedral is the seventh church built on Lubaga Hill. The six earlier structures, erected between 1891 and 1914, were destroyed by religious conflict, an earthquake, and fire.

Now, a century later, the cathedral prepares not just to celebrate its past but to reintroduce itself to a new generation of worshippers in grand style.