Despite a recent census revealing a decline in Uganda’s Catholic population percentage, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala remains optimistic about the faith’s future.
The 2024 National Population and Housing Census showed a drop in the Catholic Church’s proportion, now at 37.4%, down from 39.3% in 2014.
While still the largest denomination in Uganda, the percentage decline has caused some concern among Catholics.
However, in absolute terms, the Catholic population grew from 13.6 million to over 17 million.
Anglican numbers also saw a slight drop from 32% to 30%, and Muslims decreased from 13.7% to 13.6%, while Pentecostals/Evangelicals increased from 11% to 15%.
In his homily at Lubaga Cathedral, Archbishop Ssemogerere downplayed these concerns, citing consistent signs of growth within his archdiocese.
“Every time I visit parishes, I perform so many baptisms and confirmations that my hand hurts,” he remarked, noting that the demand for sacraments often strains the clergy.
He highlighted the need for additional priests to support pastoral work, even as recent ordinations have fallen short of fully meeting these needs.
The archbishop also addressed concerns over young Catholics migrating to other denominations.
Drawing on John 6, where Jesus asked his apostles if they, too, would leave, Ssemogerere encouraged Catholics to remain steadfast.
“Peter said, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’
Some may leave, but we will remain,” he emphasized, acknowledging the challenges posed by a demanding faith and the need for a welcoming Church community.
Addressing challenges facing the Church, Lady Emily Lato Mwaka, leader of Kampala’s Catholic laity, cited issues such as land grabbing, poverty, and misuse of technology as barriers keeping people from fully engaging in the faith.
In response, Archbishop Ssemogerere announced the establishment of five new parishes in 2025, aiming to expand pastoral care across the archdiocese.
