By Kefa Senoga

Uganda Christian University (UCU) officially launched the construction of a new Thornycroft Chapel on August 20, a state-of-the-art worship facility that will seat over 1,000 people and cater to the spiritual needs of students, staff, and the wider community.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the UCU main campus in Mukono and brought together Church of Uganda leaders, university administrators, and partners in a show of faith and commitment to the institution’s heritage.

Presiding over the launch, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, commended UCU for upholding its spiritual foundation through such an initiative.

“This chapel will not only serve UCU students and staff but will stand as a beacon of faith for generations to come,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “We call upon Christians, well-wishers, and all Ugandans to contribute generously towards this noble cause.”

UCU Vice Chancellor, Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, assured stakeholders of the university’s financial and moral support for the project.

“On our part as a university, we presented a request to the University Council to commit UGX 600 million, and the Council approved it. In total, the university has pledged UGX 1 billion towards the chapel construction,” he announced.

Prof. Mushengyezi emphasized that the chapel would not only provide space for worship but also strengthen UCU’s identity as a Christ-centered institution of higher learning.

UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, who also chairs the Chapel Development Council, emphasized the chapel’s symbolic and strategic location.

“As you drive into the university, the cross will be visible — a clear statement of our Christian identity,” he remarked. “The chapel will be built in two phases: the first phase covering the main sanctuary, and the second including the children’s chapel and youth center.”

Mr Mugawe revealed that construction is expected to begin on October 1, 2025, once the site is handed over to the contractor. “Phase one is projected to cost UGX 3.5 billion. We call upon alumni, partners, and friends of the university to join us in making this dream a reality.”

The UCU Chaplain Rev. Canon. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro noted that the ministry at Thornycroft Chapel has expanded beyond what the existing facilities could accommodate, especially with worship services being held at Nkoyoyo Hall for the past 25 years.

“The children’s ministry has grown, but we have been constrained by space. At times, we even scatter across the UCU gardens to teach them,” he said. “This new chapel will elevate our ministry, providing dedicated spaces such as clergy offices, a choir loft, boardrooms, and a children’s chapel. The sanctuary itself will be a 1,000-seater, designed to inspire worship at the heart of our community.”

According to the architectural plan, the chapel complex will include a main sanctuary, a children’s chapel, a youth chapel, clergy offices, a choir loft, and multipurpose spaces for fellowship and ministry.

For over two decades, UCU has relied on Nkoyoyo Hall for corporate worship, but the growing numbers have long exceeded its capacity. The new Thornycroft Chapel marks a significant milestone in fulfilling UCU’s master plan and vision of nurturing holistic Christian leaders for Uganda and beyond.