Welcome to Saint Paul's Cathedral Namirembe, commonly known as Namirembe Cathedral, the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda. Situated on Namirembe Hill in Kampala's Lubaga Division, about two kilometers west of the central business district, this historic site serves as the provincial cathedral of the Anglican Church of Uganda and the diocesan cathedral for the Namirembe Diocese. As one of Uganda's official National Cultural Sites, the location has a rich history dating back to 1890 when Bishop Alfred Tucker established the diocese.
Before the present building was erected, four earlier structures succumbed to various misfortunes, including swampy land, destructive windstorms, termite fears, and a devastating 1910 lightning fire. The current cathedral was built between 1915 and 1919 using earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles. When you visit, you can appreciate a landmark that hosted significant historic events, such as the 1999 royal wedding of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II to Lady Sylvia Nagginda and the 2012 enthronement of Archbishop Stanley Ntagali.
Inside, you can see the cathedral's famous pipe organ, originally built in 1931 by the Positive Organ Company and subsequently restored after undergoing serious deterioration during political unrest.
What to see at Namirembe Cathedral
- Uganda's oldest Anglican cathedral, originally established on Namirembe Hill in 1890.
- Built between 1915 and 1919 using durable earthen bricks and roof tiles.
- Designated as an official National Cultural Site of Uganda.
- Houses a historical pipe organ built in 1931 and fully restored in the 2000s.
Visiting tips
Take time to explore this historic landmark on Namirembe Hill, located just two kilometers west of Kampala's central business district.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Namirembe Cathedral is easy to reach on Kampala’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kasubi Tombs and Kampala Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kampala travel guide.
See the full Kampala travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.