Under the resonant theme, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” Makerere University marked St. Augustine Chapel marked her 85th anniversary.
The thanksgiving Mass was led by His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, who served as chief celebrant blending reverence, reflection, and renewed devotion, echoing the enduring spiritual heartbeat of Makerere University.
Archbishop, His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere praised St. Augustine Chapel for faithfully advancing that mission over 85 years, serving as a sacred space where students prayed before exams, sought guidance in uncertainty, and encountered Christ through the sacraments.
“The chapel has not only formed scholars, but men and women of character and purpose,”HE STATED.
Highlighting the Church’s presence within the university,he reaffirmed the harmony between faith and reason, and called for the chapel to remain a lasting refuge and guiding light for generations to come.
Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo praised the students’ centre as a cradle of leadership that has helped steer the nation’s development.
The Vice President reflected on the chapel’s enduring influence since 1941, describing it as a rare space where intellect meets faith, questions meet prayer, and the pursuit of knowledge is illuminated by the gospel. Her remarks, underscored the chapel’s profound role in shaping generations of thinkers and servant leaders grounded in faith and service to their nation.
“Since its founding in 1941, St Augustine Chapel has faithfully enhanced the academic life of Makerere University. It has been a place where intellect meets faith, where questions meet prayer,” H.E. Jessca Alupo Vice President said at the 85th Anniversary of St. Augustine Chapel.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the chaplain, underscored the urgency and importance of investing in both the spiritual and social life of the student community. He emphasized that the expansion is not merely infrastructural, but foundational to nurturing holistic student development.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to students’ spiritual welfare and its role in shaping servant leaders.
He pledged continued support from the University Management to ensure this expansion of the Student center becomes a reality. From Senior Management, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, in their respective capacities, contributed to the fundraising effort too, reinforcing the collective commitment to the project’s success.
