St Andrew’s Bukoto Raises Shs 243 Million at St Andrew’s Courts Groundbreaking
By Esther Nantambi
St Andrew’s Church Bukoto (SACB) raised Shs 208 million during the Palm Sunday groundbreaking ceremony for St Andrew’s Courts, with Shs 49 million received in cash and Shs 159 million pledged by congregants and invited guests.
The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who joined the congregation in launching the development, which church leaders described as both urgent and strategic. Among the notable guests in attendance were the Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Ambassador to Namibia, Godfrey Kirumira, and several Members of Parliament, alongside other stakeholders from within and beyond the archdeaconry. Also present was Rev Capt Canon David Serunjogi, the Archdeacon of Ntinda Archdeaconry, under which Bukoto Parish falls.
The project, estimated to cost Shs 8.5 billion, will see the construction of a seven-storey structure comprising clergy residences and commercial spaces intended to support the long-term sustainability of the church.
Although the ceremony marked the official groundbreaking, construction had already commenced prior to the event. The building committee revealed that within just three weeks, deep excavation and foundational work had already been undertaken, with visible progress on site. Members were encouraged to visit the site to witness the ongoing works, which leaders said demonstrate both the seriousness of the vision and the need for continued financial support.
The project follows a significant development in which the land, previously earmarked for diocesan apartments, was returned to St Andrew’s Parish. Church leadership explained that this presented both an opportunity and a responsibility, noting that the parish was tasked to act on the land as soon as possible, prompting the adoption and adaptation of the earlier development vision.
The Archbishop framed the fundraising and groundbreaking within the spiritual significance of Palm Sunday, with the day’s message drawing from the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40. He emphasised that just as Christ entered Jerusalem with purpose, the church must also respond with intentional action, both spiritually and practically.
Using the image of the colt in the Gospel narrative, he noted that what may appear ordinary can carry divine purpose. “That donkey had been there, but its potential had not yet been realised until the Lord had need of it,” the Archbishop said, urging congregants to recognise their own role in advancing God’s work.
Congregants were urged to embrace spiritual renewal through repentance and commitment, alongside active participation through giving and support of the project, with a reminder that the church must not remain passive but take responsibility in building for the future.
Church leadership, headed by Rev Patricia Laaki and the building committee emphasized that the success of the project depends on collective effort, reminding members that every contribution matters.
Following the groundbreaking ceremony, the Archbishop was hosted at the vicarage for a luncheon together with clergy and invited guests. During this engagement, he congratulated the church upon the progress made and the unity demonstrated in advancing the project, but also challenged the congregation to look ahead and consider acquiring additional land to construct a separate vicarage. He noted that, “the responsibilities of a parish vicar are often extensive and require a space that adequately supports both ministry and personal well-being.“
Also speaking at the event, Rev Capt David Serunjogi appreciated the fruitful efforts of St Andrew’s Bukoto, noting that the parish is setting a pace within the archdeaconry.
“St Andrew’s Bukoto is now setting an example that others within the archdeaconry can emulate. As St Luke Church Ntinda prepares to embark on its plaza project in the near future, it will come here to benchmark both the vision and the execution,” he said.
With Shs 243 million already mobilised, the church has made a strong start towards its Shs 8.5 billion target. Leaders expressed confidence that continued giving, coupled with commitment from members and partners, will see the project through to completion. As Holy Week begins, Rev Laaki encouraged the congregation to view their contributions not merely as financial acts, but as part of a broader journey of sacrifice, obedience, and participation in the work of the church. “What you give to God is not lost; it comes back to you,” she said, urging members to give in faith.
The development is expected to become a key investment for the parish, supporting ministry activities while strengthening its presence in the community for years to come.