By Racheal Atuhaire & Andrew Bugembe
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has laid a stone for the construction of a new sanctuary (Thornycraft chapel) for all prayers. The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the UCU main campus in Mukono, was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, alongside the UCU Vice Chancellor, Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
The chapel, which will seat 1,000 people and host up to five services, is expected to be completed within two years. According to David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chair of the Development Committee for the Chapel Council, the vision of building a permanent chapel at UCU has been central to the institution’s identity.
“It was a vision to have a sanctuary in UCU. Its strategic location will allow the cross to be seen as you enter the university gate,” Mr. Mugawe said, adding that all mechanical, architectural, structural, and electrical plans had already been approved. “The handover to the contractor will be in October, and construction will begin immediately after.”
“The first phase of this magnificent chapel is projected to cost UGX 3.5 billion, and we are optimistic that, with collective support, the project will steadily progress,” Mugawe noted.
The second phase will cover clergy offices, a youth center, a children’s chapel, counseling rooms, and a boardroom.
Speaking at the launch, Canon Prof. Mushengyezi reaffirmed the University’s commitment to support the project financially, announcing a contribution of UGX 600 million towards the construction.
“On our part as a University, we presented a request to the University Council to commit UGX 600 million to start the project, and the Council approved it,”Prof. Mushengyezi said.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, says that, “This chapel will not only serve UCU students and staff but will also stand as a beacon of faith for generations to come. We call upon Ugandans to join hands in supporting this noble cause.”
