Short answer: The main churches in Kampala to visit are Rubaga Cathedral (Catholic), Namirembe Cathedral (Anglican), All Saints’ Cathedral in Nakasero, Christ the King Church, St. Francis Chapel at Makerere, and the martyrs’ shrines at Munyonyo and Namugongo. Most welcome visitors outside services.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. Hours and rules change, so confirm with each church.
There are many churches in Kampala worth visiting, from hilltop cathedrals to a university chapel. This guide lists the best-known ones, what makes each one special, and how to combine them into a day or two of sightseeing.
Cathedrals on Kampala’s hills
Rubaga Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral, begun in 1914 and consecrated in 1925. Namirembe Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral, built from 1915 to 1919.
All Saints’ Cathedral in Nakasero is a Church of Uganda cathedral. Its congregation began as a chaplaincy in 1912, and a new six-sided cathedral with a 45 m bell tower and seating for 5,000 was dedicated on 1 November 2024, according to reported details.
Parish churches and chapels
Christ the King Catholic Church stands at the junction of Colville Street and Kimathi Avenue on Nakasero Hill. It was established in 1930, and renovations finished in 2018 raised its seating from about 600 to roughly 1,500.
St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University is an Anglican chapel that has been a place of worship since 1942. Visit Kampala lists three English-language Sunday services there, but check the times before you go.
Martyrs’ Church, Katwe was founded in the early 1960s in the artisan district of Katwe. Large Pentecostal churches such as Miracle Centre Cathedral are also part of Kampala’s church life.
Martyrs’ shrines near Kampala
Two shrines tell the story of the Uganda Martyrs: the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, a Catholic basilica on the lake, and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, where the executions took place. The Uganda Martyrs trail links them.
Churches in Kampala at a glance
| Church | Tradition | Key date |
|---|---|---|
| Rubaga Cathedral | Catholic | Consecrated 1925 |
| Namirembe Cathedral | Anglican | Present building 1915 to 1919 |
| All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero | Anglican | New cathedral dedicated 1 November 2024 |
| Christ the King Church | Catholic | Established 1930 |
| St. Francis Chapel, Makerere | Anglican | Worship site since 1942 |
Tips for visiting churches
- Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees.
- Visit outside services unless you plan to worship.
- Ask before taking photos inside.
- Group the hills together. Rubaga and Namirembe are close enough for one morning.
Our Uganda dress code guide has more detail. For a wider plan, see religious tourism in Uganda.
Churches in Kampala FAQs
What are the best churches in Kampala to visit?
Rubaga Cathedral and Namirembe Cathedral are the best known. Add All Saints’ Cathedral, Christ the King Church and the martyrs’ shrines at Munyonyo and Namugongo for a fuller day.
Can tourists visit churches in Kampala?
Yes. Visitors are welcome outside service times in most churches. Dress modestly and ask before taking photos.
Which is the oldest cathedral in Kampala?
Namirembe is described as the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda. Its present building dates from 1915 to 1919, and Rubaga Cathedral was consecrated in 1925.
How many churches can I see in one day?
Most visitors manage two or three. Rubaga and Namirembe can be done in a morning, with a martyrs’ shrine in the afternoon.
Can you plan a church tour in Kampala?
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.
