Short answer: Namirembe Cathedral, also called St. Paul’s, is the Anglican cathedral on Namirembe Hill, about 2 km west of Kampala’s centre. The present building of earthen brick and tile was built from 1915 to 1919, and it is the fifth church on the hill. It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. We found no published visiting hours or fees, so confirm with the cathedral.
The cathedral is the Church of Uganda’s historic home in Kampala. It looks over the city from its hill, and its story includes four earlier churches that were lost to weather, termites and fire. This guide covers its history, key dates and how to visit.
History of Namirembe Cathedral
The first church, at Kitesa, held 800 people and was abandoned in 1891 because it stood on swampy ground. A second church, built from 1891 to 1892, seated more than 3,000 until a thunderstorm blew off its roof in October 1894.
A third church seated about 4,000 and was abandoned in the early 1900s over fears of termites. The fourth, with earthen brick walls and a thatched roof, opened on 21 June 1904 before about 10,000 people. On 23 September 1910 lightning started a fire that destroyed its roof within about 30 minutes.
The current cathedral was built from 1915 to 1919 of earthen bricks with earthen roof tiles.
Namirembe Cathedral key facts
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Namirembe Hill, Lubaga Division, about 2 km west of the city centre |
| Church | Church of Uganda (Anglican), Namirembe Diocese |
| Present building | Built 1915 to 1919 |
| Material | Earthen bricks with earthen roof tiles |
| Earlier churches | Four before the present one, from 1890 onward |
| Status | Described as the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda |
Notable events at Namirembe
On 27 August 1999 the cathedral hosted the wedding of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and Lady Sylvia Nagginda. On 16 December 2012 Stanley Ntagali was enthroned there as the eighth Archbishop of Uganda.
The hill’s story belongs alongside the martyrs’ story, since the Anglican martyrs are remembered at Namugongo. See also who the Uganda Martyrs were.
How to visit the cathedral
- Confirm hours with the cathedral before you travel.
- Visit outside services if you want to look around quietly.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low.
- Allow time for the views. The hill looks over Kampala.
Our Uganda dress code guide has more on what to wear.
Combine Namirembe with other Kampala sites
Pair Namirembe Cathedral with Rubaga Cathedral, its Catholic neighbour, and see our list of Kampala churches and cathedrals. The Kasubi Tombs are another Kampala heritage site worth adding. Cathedral stops can be added to our joint faith half-day pilgrimage in Kampala on request. See every itinerary under religious tourism in Uganda.
Namirembe Cathedral FAQs
Where is Namirembe Cathedral?
It stands on Namirembe Hill in Lubaga Division, about 2 km west of Kampala’s central business district by road.
When was Namirembe Cathedral built?
The present cathedral was built from 1915 to 1919. It is the fifth church on the hill; earlier buildings were lost to weather, termite fears and a lightning fire in 1910.
Is Namirembe Cathedral the same as St. Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes. Namirembe Cathedral is also known as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe. It is the cathedral of Namirembe Diocese in the Church of Uganda.
Can tourists visit Namirembe Cathedral?
Yes, visitors are welcome outside services. We found no published hours or fees, so confirm in advance.
Can you include Namirembe in a Kampala tour?
Yes. Request a free quote.
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About the author: Victoria Kayaga
Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
