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Namirembe Cathedral

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Historical site
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Namirembe Cathedral (Uganda)

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Namirembe Cathedral, formally known as St. Paul's Cathedral, sits atop Namirembe Hill, the oldest and most prominent of Kampala's original seven hills. As the provincial cathedral of the Anglican Church of Uganda, it serves as a profound symbol of the country's religious heritage. The present red-brick structure, completed in 1919, is the fifth cathedral to occupy the site, following several predecessors that were lost to fire or structural collapse. Its architecture is characterized by its grand dome and impressive brickwork, which has become a landmark of the Kampala skyline. Inside, the cathedral features a vast nave and beautifully crafted wooden ceilings that reflect the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The hill's name, meaning 'Place of Peace' in Luganda, perfectly describes the serene environment surrounding the church. Beyond its spiritual significance, Namirembe is a historical archive of Uganda’s colonial and post-independence eras, offering sweeping views of the city below and standing as a beacon of the Anglican faith in East Africa.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm6566148194158635788117158166116

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The cathedral is open to visitors. The interior can be explored free of charge during opening hours, and services are open to the public.
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Typical hours
Churches typically open late morning and close early evening. Services are held regularly on Sundays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside without flash. Please maintain silence during services.
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Time needed
Allocate about 30 to 45 minutes for a visit. If attending a service, the stay will be longer.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Kasubi Tombs or the Uganda Museum. Both are reachable on foot or by a short taxi ride.
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Getting there
The cathedral is located on Namirembe Hill in Kampala, accessible by taxi or boda-boda. Follow Namirembe Road uphill.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral early in the morning to see the morning sunlight through the stained glass. On Sundays you can attend the 8:00 AM English service.

Geography

Coordinates
0.31380, 32.55940

Facts

  • Wooden church built in 1890
  • Brick building completed in 1910
  • Seat of the Diocese of Kampala
  • Capacity: 3,000 seats
  • Tower height 35 meters
  • Pipe organ from 1925

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Namirembe CathedralNamirembe Cathedral<1 km · EExplore →
Kabaka's Palace (Mengo Palace)Kabaka's Palace (Mengo Palace)2 km · WExplore →
RubagaRubaga2 km · SWExplore →
Nakivubo StadiumNakivubo Stadium2 km · NExplore →
Makerere University Main BuildingMakerere University Main Building2 km · NEExplore →
Uganda National Museum BuildingUganda National Museum Building3 km · NEExplore →
Kibuli MosqueKibuli Mosque4 km · NExplore →
MakindyeMakindye4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Namirembe Cathedral (10)

Namirembe Cathedral

Namirembe Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Kampala, Uganda. It is the bishop's seat.

Playwright play house

Playwright play house is a theatre in Kampala. It stages local plays.

🕒 Th-Sa 16:00-23:00

Parliament of the Kingdom of Bugunda

Parliament of the Kingdom of Buganda is a historic site in Kampala. It convenes here.

Busses to Kigali

Busses to Kigali is a bus station in Kampala. Buses to Kigali depart from here.

Fort Lugard

Fort Lugard is a historic fort in Kampala. It was built by the British.

Royal Theatre

Royal Theatre is a theatre in Kampala. It presents plays and music.

Miracle Center Cathedral

Miracle Center Cathedral is a Pentecostal church in Kampala, Uganda. It is a large worship space.

Buganda Kingdom museum🏛 museum

Buganda Kingdom Museum in Kampala displays the history of the Buganda Kingdom.

Rubaga Cathedral

Rubaga Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Uganda. It is the archbishop's seat.

Kasubi Royal Tombs🏛 museum

Kasubi Royal Tombs are a museum in Kampala. They contain the tombs of Buganda kings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Namirembe Cathedral so famous?
It is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda and an architectural landmark.
Are there guided tours for visitors?
Official guided tours often need to be requested in advance.
When is the cathedral the quietest?
Avoid early Sunday mornings and major holidays.
Is the cathedral easily accessible?
Yes, it is easily accessible on Namirembe Hill in Kampala.
Can I explore the grounds around the cathedral?
Yes, the outer grounds are nice and offer a great view of Kampala.
Namirembe Cathedral: where is it located?
Namirembe Cathedral is located in Uganda.
Namirembe Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Namirembe Cathedral, Playwright play house, Parliament of the Kingdom of Bugunda.
Namirembe Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Namirembe Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
Namirembe Cathedral, formally known as St.
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