The rise of Kabulengwa from Pandemic Fellowship to Kampala's fastest growing Church
13th July 2026: When churches across Uganda closed in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19, many Christians found themselves worshipping from home through online services. While virtual fellowship provided a temporary solution, it could not replace the desire for believers to gather physically. It was from this need that Kabulengwa Fellowship was born.
Starting with just about 20 worshippers meeting under the government's strict COVID-19 standard operating procedures in people's homes, the fellowship has grown steadily into a congregation of more than 400 members in just six years. Today, it stands as one of the fastest-growing worshipping communities in the Diocese of Kampala.
The fellowship, led by the priest-in-charge Rev. Medard Kwikiriza, has also made significant strides in infrastructure. It recently completed construction of its church building on a 50-decimal piece of land in Kabulengwa, Nansana Municipality, with plans already underway to acquire more land and build a residence for the resident priest.
Yesterday, Sunday, 12th July 2026, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, made his pastoral visit to the Fellowship.
He was accompanied by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Canon Dr. Henry Majwala; the Archdeacon of the Makerere Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana; the Vicar of St. Stephen's Kitara Church of Uganda, Rev. Kenneth Karyeija; and the Head of Laity for the Makerere Archdeaconry, Canon Frank Twine, with his wife, Canon Christine Twine.
Kabulengwa Church is a daughter church of St. Stephen's Kitara Church of Uganda, a popular Runyankole/Rukiga-speaking church along Queens Way in Kampala.
Preaching during the service, Archbishop Kaziimba reminded the congregation that the Church's greatest strength is not its buildings or numbers but its spiritual foundation.
Drawing from Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:11, and 1 Corinthians 3:16, he emphasized that Jesus Christ is the only foundation upon which the Church must be built. He noted that the Church exists to worship God, nurture believers, and proclaim the Gospel to the world, urging members to remain faithful to that calling as the congregation continues to grow.
Recognising the changing demographics of the area, the Archbishop encouraged the leadership to gradually introduce Luganda alongside Runyankole and Rukiga during worship to make the congregation more welcoming to the wider community.
According to the chairman of the development committee, Mr. David Mugyenyi, the fellowship has plans of purchasing adjacent land and constructing the resident priest's house to reduce the recurring cost of rented accommodation.
" We are now working towards the vision of expansion. Negotiations have begun with neighboring landowners, and they are willing to sell to neighboring landowners. Other immediate priorities include paving the church compound, purchasing pews, and constructing a stone retaining wall. " Mr. Mugyenyi said.
These plans received a significant boost during yesterday's service, where over UGX 80 million towards the ongoing development projects was collected in cash and pledges.
