Joy and reverence filled the air in Moroto District as the Catholic faithful celebrated the consecration and inauguration of The Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral, a landmark spiritual event that brought together dignitaries, religious leaders, and hundreds of believers from across the country and beyond.
The ceremony was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, who led the consecration and delivered a powerful message to the congregation.
He reminded Christians that “you are God’s temple,” calling on the faithful to live lives of holiness and devotion.
He also noted that the event coincides with the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, which is being celebrated globally through the opening of the Holy Doors in the four major Basilicas in Rome and in cathedrals around the world
President Museveni, in a speech delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, commended the Catholic Church for its role in community development and moral guidance.
He urged the people of Karamoja to embrace government livelihood programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, saying they are essential for improving household incomes and eradicating poverty.
“We must shift from subsistence to market-oriented production. These government programs are designed to empower communities,” President Museveni’s message read in part.
Moroto Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, in his address, revealed the historical journey that led to the new cathedral’s construction.
The idea was conceived in 1998 after it became clear that the old Regina Mundi Cathedral could no longer accommodate the growing number of worshippers.
“Engineers assessed that expanding Regina Mundi would be risky and costly. They advised building a new structure instead. After consultations and prayer, the idea of this cathedral was born,” Bishop Guzzetti explained.
The event attracted high-level guests, including Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo Diocese; Msgr. Paul L. Nigel, Vicar General and Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee; Fr. Loyola Alfred, Chairman of Moroto Diocesan Priests Association; Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, the Head of the Laity in Uganda; and Mr. Charles Modo, among others.
Each played a key role in organizing and guiding the event’s spiritual and logistical success.
The inauguration was attended by regional politicians, security chiefs, ambassadors, and pilgrims from neighboring countries.
The 5000 seater cathedral was filled to capacity as the congregation gathered to witness a new beginning
The day was marked by rich liturgical celebrations, cultural performances, and deep expressions of faith. Traditional Karimojong dances and music added color and excitement to the ceremony, with many believers joining in to express their joy.
“This cathedral is a representation of faith, unity, and hope for generations to come,” Betty Angella one of the worshipers said
With its doors now officially opened, The Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral is set to become a spiritual and cultural hub for the Catholic community in northeastern Uganda, reinforcing the Church’s mission of evangelization, social transformation, and peacebuilding in the region.