Watoto Church has officially launched the 2025 Christmas Cantata, unveiling major innovations and enhancements ahead of this year’s eagerly anticipated production. Scheduled to run from 19th to 22nd December 2025 at 8:00 pm, the event is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees.
The Christmas Cantata is Watoto’s signature annual production, renowned for its powerful blend of music, drama, dance, audio-visual effects and beloved Christmas songs—all used to retell the story of Jesus Christ and share the message of God’s love. This year’s edition will feature more than 1,000 performers and crew members.
Pastor Edward Mwesigye, Pastoral Team Leader at Watoto Church, noted that the production has been a Kampala tradition for more than four decades.
“As Watoto Church, we love Kampala, and that’s why we have held our Christmas Cantata in this city for over 40 years. Thousands have given their lives to Christ through this production, and for us, that remains the number one agenda,” he said during the launch at Watoto Downtown.
In response to the Cantata’s growing audience, Pastor Mwesigye also revealed that the venue has been shifted from the Watoto Downtown building, which seats 1,200 people, to the Old Kampala Senior Secondary School playground, a significantly larger space capable of hosting tens of thousands.
“For 40 years, we have been staging two shows daily for about eight days. This year, we needed a venue big enough for the numbers we attract. We expect to host at least 10,000 people each night for five days,” Pastor Mwesigye added.
Pastor Graham Tugume, Pastor for Worship and Arts, highlighted that the Cantata is Watoto Ministries’ annual gift to the people of Kampala.
“This year, it’s going to be bigger and better. We shall light what is expected to be Africa’s tallest Christmas tree. The outdoor experience gives us room to stretch our creativity with bigger sets, bigger sound, and a bigger story,” he said.
Media partners, including Next Media and Vision Group, reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying the Cantata’s reach.
Next Media’s Ben Mwine said the partnership reflects recognition of Watoto’s impact on countless lives.
“It’s an exciting moment to work together to ensure that everyone experiences the Cantata, either physically or through our platforms like Afro Mobile,” he said.
Vision Group’s Phiona Tamale expressed gratitude for being part of one of the country’s most celebrated annual productions.
Transport partner SafeBoda, represented by Brands and Events Manager Calvin Mukooli, assured the public of subsidized transport fares to the Old Kampala grounds throughout the event period.
In addition to the Cantata, Christmas Carols will be held at the same venue on December, 17, 2025.
For 41 years, Watoto Church has served communities through spiritual nurture and practical support. With more than 35,000 attendees across 18 campuses in Uganda and South Sudan, the ministry continues its mission of sharing God’s love and transforming lives.