Koboko Archdeaconry Renews Appeal to Museveni to Fulfil UGX 970 Million Church Pledge
The outside view of the Sanctuary
Leaders of Koboko Archdeaconry have renewed their appeal to President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil the remaining UGX 970 million of his pledge towards the construction of the archdeaconry’s headquarters sanctuary, saying the delayed support has slowed progress on the multi-billion-shilling project.
According to the church leadership, President Museveni had pledged to finance the walling and roofing phase of the St. Paul Church of Uganda Nyangilia Sanctuary in 2022. Of the estimated UGX 1.2 billion commitment, only UGX 230 million has so far been released, leaving an outstanding balance of about UGX 970 million.
The leaders say they have repeatedly reminded the President about the pledge through various channels but have not received any formal response. They are now making a fresh appeal, hoping the president will honor the commitment and help fast-track the completion of the project.
The appeal was made on Saturday, July 25, 2026 during a thanksgiving service held to officially launch the roofing phase of the new sanctuary.
The archdeaconry announced that they have commenced the roofing phase, seeking UGX 515 million to finance the works, which have been awarded to Uganda Baati Limited and are expected to be completed within six months.
The sanctuary, projected to cost about UGX 4 billion, will accommodate more than 1,600 worshipers at ago once completed. Church leaders say the current worship space has become too small for the growing Christian community in Koboko.
Patrick Bongo, the chairperson of the church construction committee, said the project is intended to provide a permanent and spacious place of worship while giving the archdeaconry a modern headquarters. He appealed to Christians, well-wishers and the President to support the project so that construction can move faster.
“We are grateful for the support already received, but we still appeal to the President to fulfil the remaining pledge because it will greatly accelerate the completion of this important house of God,” Bongo said.
The Koboko District LC5 Chairperson, Hon. Mambo Asraf, revealed that he has personally written to President Museveni through the office of the Presidency and also engaged the NRM Secretary General in an effort to follow up on the pledge, but the efforts have not yielded any response.
He urged the President to communicate clearly on whether the pledge will be fulfilled, saying certainty would help the church plan its fundraising efforts more effectively.
“If the pledge will be honored, let it be fulfilled. If not, let the president write formally to us so that we write it off, and let the church know so that it can mobilize resources without waiting indefinitely,” Asraf said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the presidential pledge, Hon. Mambo encouraged Christians not to lose hope but to continue contributing towards the project using the resources available.
During her sermon, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Koboko Archdeaconry, Ven. Canon Alice Bayo, said the church has outgrown its current facilities, making it increasingly difficult to effectively minister to the congregation.
She called upon Christians and the wider community to contribute generously towards the construction, describing the sanctuary as a shared investment in God’s work.
“The work of God belongs to all of us. Every contribution, regardless of its size, brings us closer to completing this sanctuary for future generations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Uganda Baati Limited engineer Seka Daniel assured the congregation that the company is committed to delivering quality roofing works within the agreed six-month period. He said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting community and faith-based development initiatives.
Koboko Archdeaconry has more than 23,000 Christians, each encouraged to contribute at least UGX 5,000 towards the sanctuary construction. Church leaders describe the initiative as a faith-driven project that depends largely on the collective support of believers and well-wishers.