Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially broken ground for the construction of its new Thorny Croft Chapel, a modern worship facility designed to host over 1,000 worshippers per service at the main campus in Mukono.
The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, alongside UCU Vice Chancellor, Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
Prof. Mushengyezi used the occasion to reaffirm the university’s financial commitment to the project, announcing UGX 600 million to initiate construction.
“On our part as a University, we presented a request to the University Council to commit UGX 600 million to start the project, and the Council approved it,” he said.
Archbishop Kaziimba, who led the Church of Uganda delegation, appealed to Christians and well-wishers nationwide to support the project.
“This chapel will not only serve UCU students and staff but will also stand as a beacon of faith for generations to come. We call upon Ugandans to join hands in supporting this noble cause,” the Archbishop said.
According to architectural plans, the Thorny Croft Chapel will include a main sanctuary, a children’s chapel, a youth chapel, a council boardroom, and other multipurpose spaces to support worship and fellowship activities.
UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, who also chairs the Chapel Development Council, confirmed that construction will formally begin on October 1 once the site is handed over to the contractor.
“The first phase of this magnificent chapel is projected to cost UGX 3.5 billion, and we are optimistic that, with collective support, the project will steadily progress,” Mugawe noted.
The new Thorny Croft Chapel is set to become a central hub for spiritual life at UCU, providing modern facilities for worship, fellowship, and faith-based programs for students and staff alike.