Centenary Bank Pledges Shs 100 Million towards 100 Years of Lubaga Cathedral Fete

Centenary Bank has pledged Shs 100 million towards the upcoming centenary celebrations of Lubaga Cathedral, scheduled for October this year, in a ceremony held at the bank’s Mapeera Chaplaincy that also marked 13 years of spiritual service and growth of the chaplaincy.

The announcement was made by Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, during a special event that welcomed the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Ssemogerere, and the organizing committee for the cathedral’s milestone celebrations.

“As Centenary Bank, we have so far contributed UGX 100 million towards this important cause. We hope others who care deeply for the Church will also step forward with their support. We don’t have much time left; this October marks 100 years of the cathedral, hence we want to ensure the project is completed on time,” Kasi said.

He also advised contributors on the available donation channels: “To make it easier for well-wishers to give, we’ve provided channels through CenteMobile and CenteAgent. Contributions made through these channels will go directly and securely to the cathedral’s centenary celebration account, and you will receive a receipt as proof of your contribution.”

Earlier, Kasi had explained the breakdown of the bank’s contribution: “By this morning, things have changed, and I want to inform you that the CEO of Cente-Tech, his company, is contributing 20 million, and as the group, we are contributing another 10 million. And we also look at the contribution of 5 million as a collection. And we have the total contribution from the entire Cente family of 100 million.”

The historic Lubaga Cathedral, which has served as a spiritual beacon for over a century, will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements as part of the centenary celebrations themed “YOYOTA LUBAGA CATHEDRAL at 100 “years”—with YOYOTA being a Luganda word meaning to make good or clean up.

Pius Mugerwa Mugarasi, chairman of the organizing group for the Lubaga Cathedral centenary celebrations, outlined the ambitious renovation plans during the ceremony.

“We’re also constructing a level three parking yard to take 100 cars. We’re remodeling the cathedral’s frontiers and the sanctuary to enhance the aesthetics for both spiritual and tourism purposes. We’re repainting the cathedral, both the interior and exterior, and we are also enhancing the aesthetics of the altar, the church views, and the lighting and improving the public address system,” Mugerwa explained.

The renovation project includes innovative features such as digital billboards on the cathedral’s facade to support digital evangelism and the installation of lifts in the cathedral’s two towers to enhance tourism opportunities.

“Father Nyombi introduced the idea of having two lifts in the Cathedral Shafts, which can enhance tourism. If we put lifts in the two towers, we can have pilgrims who come to Lubaga go up those lifts to look at the whole of Kampala,” Mugerwa said.

The total budget for the centenary celebrations stands at UGX 2.4 billion, with UGX 1.4 billion allocated for construction and the remainder for events, publicity, liturgy, and the final celebration day. As of yesterday, the organizing committee had received UGX 695 million in contributions, including UGX 300 million from President Museveni.

Additional support has come from various organizations, including 500 bags of cement from Lubaga Cathedral, UGX 1.5 million worth of paint from Plascon Paint, and significant media coverage pledges from Vision Group, UBC, Next Media (NBS), BBS, and CBS.

Thanking Centenary Bank’s leadership and the cathedral community, Archbishop Ssemogerere said, “Today we witness not just a gift of funds, but a testament to the living faith of this community. Centenary Bank’s generosity reminds us that our spiritual home is strengthened when we work together for a common purpose.”

The archbishop went on to reflect on the long bond between the bank and the chaplaincy: “For 13 years, this chaplaincy has been a place of encounter where employees and visitors alike find solace and renewal. Centenary Bank has stood with us at every step, and today’s pledge will ensure that Lubaga Cathedral continues to inspire both worshippers and tourists for generations to come.”

The ceremony also celebrated the 13th anniversary of the Mapeera Chaplaincy, which has served as a spiritual center for Centenary Bank employees and the broader community.

Mugerwa emphasized that every contribution matters as the organizing committee works toward the October celebrations.

The centenary celebrations will not only commemorate the cathedral’s rich history but also position it as a major tourist attraction, with plans to install busts of African bishops who have served the cathedral and enhance the overall spiritual and aesthetic experience for visitors and worshippers alike.