Watoto Church

When you visit Kampala, Uganda, you can experience Watoto Church, a vibrant Pentecostal ministry founded in 1984 by Canadian missionaries Gary and Marylin Skinner. Originally meeting in a hotel and later converting a disused cinema into The Centre, the ministry has expanded from its main hub, Watoto Church Downtown, to numerous campuses across the city and country. Today, led by Julius and Vernita Rwotlonyo, the church serves an average congregation of 37,000 people who meet at campuses and weekly home cell groups.

Watoto means the children in Swahili, reflecting its focus on assisting vulnerable women and children. The church operates three villages for over 3,000 orphaned children and is famed for its internationally touring Watoto Children's Choirs. If you time your trip during December, you can attend their annual Christmas cantata running the week before Christmas, featuring live music, dance, scripted drama, and lighting effects.

Every four years, they also stage Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, a gospel drama play. Visiting offers you insight into a prominent religious institution shaping local community life and international outreach.

What to see at Watoto Church

• Visit Watoto Church Downtown, the central hub of this major Pentecostal church
• Learn about Watoto Child Care Ministries and its villages supporting over 3,000 orphaned children
• See live performances during the annual Christmas cantata featuring music, dance, and drama
• Experience unique productions like the quadrennial gospel drama Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames

Visiting tips

Plan your visit around the week before Christmas if you want to attend the church's annual Christmas cantata.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Week before Christmas

How to get there & what’s nearby

Watoto Church 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.