PULPIT WAR! Makerere’s St. Francis Chapel “Pentecostal Takeover” Claims Deepen
KAMPALA — A storm is still brewing at Makerere University, with St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, now at the center of the turmoil. Disgruntled insiders have raised explosive allegations of a silent “Pentecostal-style takeover” — a shift they warn could shake the Anglican foundation of the once-unifying house of worship during the days of Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe aka Rev. O.
Sources within the chapel claim there is an “unhealthy obsession” with Pentecostal-style ministry, accusing the current chaplain Rev. Lydia Kitayimbwa aka Rev. Kits of steering the historic Anglican chapel in that direction — a move critics describe as “underhanded and disheartening.”
Rev. Lydia Kitayimbwa is said to have openly expressed admiration for Watoto-style worship and has reportedly invited various worship teams and pastors to preach at services and retreats. Critics point out that these individuals — along with key ministry figures — have past links to Watoto Church, which they claim suggests a deeper agenda.
“They’re slowly changing the DNA of the chapel,” a concerned insider revealed.
Students are allegedly being overwhelmed by a flood of programs, with insiders warning that the chapel calendar is now “over-saturated.”
“People are busy, not effective,” one source said. “There’s burnout everywhere — prayer life is suffering.”
Traditional Anglican practices are reportedly being sidelined. The removal of hymns and structured liturgy has, critics claim, been replaced with “high-energy Pentecostal thrills” — a shift many say distorts doctrine and identity.
This publication has learned that church retreats have also come under fire, with accusations that they now resemble social hangouts filled with “vibes, food, and pictures” rather than prayer, scripture, and spiritual growth. In a shocking twist, insiders allege that new ministry materials appear “AI-generated” and have replaced testimony-driven fellowship — all introduced without consultation with key stakeholders.
Our sources further indicate growing fears that young people are being drawn into “exciting but shallow teachings,” with critics warning of declining moral grounding and weak biblical depth. Additionally, the chaplain is accused of importing choirs and drama teams from across Uganda and beyond, sidelining willing local students — while reportedly compensating external guests.
To make matters worse, the handling of Holy Communion has sparked outrage, with claims that some Christians are pressured to partake while unprepared, and that the sacrament is at times administered in a disorderly and irreverent manner. It is also alleged that preachers feel undermined, as sermons are reportedly revisited and reinterpreted by the chaplain, creating confusion and discouragement among ministers.
Some observers within the church paint a troubling picture of internal divisions, alleging favoritism, an “inner-circle surveillance culture,” and a sharp drop in attendance at the chapel.
Meanwhile, unverified rumors — including extreme claims of witchcraft — have surfaced, though no evidence has been presented. Church leaders are now being urged to investigate.
In the most serious allegation yet, the chaplain is accused of encouraging youth leaders in a closed-door meeting to protest and act against church council decisions — even allegedly promising them support.
With tensions rising, concerned members are demanding urgent intervention from church authorities, warning that the unity, doctrine, and future of the chapel hang in the balance.
As the situation unfolds, this publication will keep a close eye on developments at the chapel and the response from the leadership of Church of Uganda before the crisis spirals further.
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