Watoto Church has announced its most ambitious Christmas production yet, unveiling plans for the 2025 Christmas Cantata under the theme “Son of God.” The announcement was made by Pastor Graham Tugume, Pastor for Worship Arts, during a media briefing at Watoto Church on Wednesday morning.
For more than 40 years, the Watoto Christmas Cantata has become one of Kampala’s most cherished holiday traditions — a free musical and theatrical celebration that draws thousands of families from across the country and the region.
What began modestly with the iconic singing Christmas tree has transformed into one of Uganda’s most elaborate seasonal productions.
“This year, it’s going to be bigger, brighter, and better,” Pastor Tugume said, noting that the annual production has grown far beyond a church event. “It has become a tradition for families. Some even fly in from Europe just to attend the cantata.”
According to Tugume, the cantata takes thousands of voluntary man-hours from singers, dancers, actors, technicians, and multimedia creatives many of whom are not professionals, but church members eager to share their talents.
“Why do they do it?” he asked. “Because they love the people of Kampala, they love this nation, and above all, they love God.”
This year’s theme, Son of God, revisits the story of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection — a message the church hopes to present in a fresh, relatable way for modern audiences.
In a major departure from tradition, Watoto Church is shifting from its Downtown venue to a large-capacity outdoor location. The move means fewer shows but room for far more people.
Traditionally, the cantata ran up to 18 shows in one week, but the limited indoor space created long queues and restricted attendance.
This year, the church will stage one show per night across four nights, with virtually unlimited capacity. It will run from 19th–22nd December 2025 from 8:00 PM at Old Kampala S.S.S grounds.
Families are encouraged to attend together, with plenty of space expected for children.
In addition to the cantata, Watoto Church is launching a new event — The City’s Carols Night — bringing together multiple ministries, choirs, and congregations for a city-wide Christmas carol experience.
City’s Carols Night will take place on 17th December 2025, at 8:00 PM.
The church emphasised that 18th December will have no event, urging the public and the media to highlight the dates clearly to avoid confusion.
While the cantata remains free, Tugume acknowledged the significant financial investment required each year. He praised organisations that have stepped forward to support the 2025 production.
Special recognition went to Next Media for amplifying the message,
Vision Group – partnering for the first time, SafeBoda offering transport support, and Nation Media Group – joining the effort.
“These partnerships help ensure the cantata stays free and accessible,” Tugume noted.