All Saints' Cathedral in Nakasero, Uganda, has been elevated to a deanery, marking a significant milestone in the Church of Uganda. Rebecca Margaret Nyegenye, who has been the cathedral's provost since 2019, was installed as its first dean in a historic service presided over by Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu. The elevation is part of a restructuring effort aimed at strengthening urban ministry in Kampala.
The decision to elevate the cathedral was made by the diocesan senior management on September 3, 2026, according to Rev Henry Majwala, Diocesan Secretary. Nyegenye was chosen for her exceptional qualities as a minister and administrator. As dean, she will oversee the cathedral, which is now a single church under her stewardship, having previously been the Central Archdeaconry with several parishes.
Nyegenye is widely regarded as one of the leading female clergy in the Church of Uganda and its highest-ranking woman. She was installed as the first female Provost of All Saints' Cathedral in July 2019 by then Archbishop Stanley Ntagali. During her tenure, she has overseen significant aspects of the cathedral's multi-million-dollar expansion, which was dedicated in 2024 and has a capacity for about 5,000 worshippers.
Born in Busia District, Nyegenye is the daughter of a clergyman and has a distinguished academic and theological background. She was the first female student enrolled at Bishop Usher Wilson Theological College in Buwalasi and has held various roles, including chaplain at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono. Nyegenye holds a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and remains active in various aspects of church ministry.
The installation service also included the ordination of six deacons and one deacon as a priest. Rev Deacon Sadrack Amai was elevated to the order of priesthood, while the new deacons are Samuel Kisakye, Rebecca Amalate, Charity Kobusingye, Annet Kobusingye, Witness Aineomugisha, and Penninah Nayebare. The archbishop gave them instruments of office, and they are awaiting deployment, with most already attached to parishes for pastoral training.
Assistant Bishop of Kampala, Bishop Jackson Baalwa, who assisted the archbishop during the service, expressed his joy that most of those ordained were women, increasing the number of ordained female clergy in the church. In his sermon, Baalwa urged the new dean, the ordained ministers, and the congregation to be witnesses of Christ and to serve others, highlighting the need for selfless leadership in the church and the world.
The service also included a prayer for children, especially those due to sit their Primary Leaving Examinations, led by the retired seventh Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt Rev Luke Orombi. The elevation of All Saints' Cathedral to a deanery and the installation of Nyegenye as its first dean mark a significant milestone in the Church of Uganda, reflecting its growth and commitment to urban ministry.
Key points
- Rebecca Margaret Nyegenye installed as first dean of All Saints' Cathedral
- All Saints' Cathedral elevated to deanery as part of restructuring effort
- Nyegenye is the Church of Uganda's highest-ranking woman and a leading female clergy.
