Moroto Diocese unveils new cathedral for 5,000 worshippers

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Christians in Moroto town, northern Uganda, witnessed a historic moment on May 24, 2025, as the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral was officially consecrated. 

Praised as one of the region’s most stunning churches, the cathedral features a contemporary design and represents the culmination of a 10-year construction effort in the centre of the Moroto Catholic Diocese.

The consecration was presided over by the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, assisted by Diocesan Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti (M.C.C.J.) and several other bishops.

Hundreds of Catholics and non-Catholics, including Bishop Giuseppe Filippi (M.C.C.J.), Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Kotido, priests, nuns, politicians, and leaders of other religions, attended the event.

Diocesan Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti said, “We are happy after the completion of our new cathedral.”

He added that the new cathedral, which is dedicated to Divine Mercy, can accommodate 5,000 worshippers.

“This cathedral is a symbol of diversity in Moroto, and it brings happiness to all people, not only Catholics,” he said.

Vice President Jessica Alupo getting a blessing from the Bishop of Moroto Diocese, Damiano Giulio Guzzetti during the Mass.

In a message delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo, President Yoweri Museveni congratulated the Christians of Moroto Diocese and the entire Catholic Church on the successful election of the new pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

He also appreciated the construction of the cathedral, thanking all who contributed to its completion through donations and fundraising.

He said, “You dedicated the Cathedral to the mercy and love of Jesus Christ, which can only be manifest in action rather than words. You have indeed lived to this biblical principle of faith and love with action, as referencing the book of James 2:14.”

President Museveni also emphasised the importance of spirituality in development, highlighting its role in enforcing values such as integrity and humane practices that support growth.

He urged the Church to balance spirituality with hard work and to continue initiating projects aligned with government strategies aimed at liberating communities from dependency on state resources.

He expressed gratitude to Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti (M.C.C.J.), the bishop of Moroto Diocese, and the Catholic Church.

The President donated sh50m towards the continued development of the diocese and the cathedral.