On Wednesday night, Kampala’s skyline was transformed into a breathtaking canvas of light, worship, and wonder as Watoto Church, together with eleven Born-Again churches, unveiled Uganda’s tallest Christmas tree, marking a historic moment just days before Christmas.
Rising 20 metres into the night sky, the towering tree stood majestically at the Old Kampala Secondary School playground, commanding attention long before it burst into light. From as early as 6pm, believers streamed into the venue, clogging surrounding roads, dressed in festive colours and carrying an unmistakable sense of anticipation.
This was more than an event; it was a powerful gathering of faith, unity, and celebration, drawing nearly 12,000 worshippers from across Uganda and beyond. As dusk settled, decorative lights shimmered across the grounds, but all eyes remained fixed on the giant tree, wrapped in ornaments and promise, waiting for its moment.
Families, youth, and elders filled every corner of the playground as the air buzzed with excitement. By 8pm, the Watoto Church choir, more than 400 voices strong, took centre stage. Dressed in elegant black and white, accented with green, brown, and gold, the choir’s harmonies floated gently into the night. Their calm, angelic voices carried Christmas carols filled with both reverence and joy.
With each song, the line between choir and congregation dissolved. Worshippers rose to their feet, singing along, clapping, and lifting hands heavenward. What began as a performance transformed into a shared prayer, one sound, one spirit. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. At exactly 11:40pm, the final note of a carol faded into silence. A countdown rippled through the crowd.
For a heartbeat, darkness fell, then light. The Christmas tree ignited from base to peak in brilliant gold and white, its glow racing skyward like a proclamation. Cheers erupted, applause thundered, and shouts of praise pierced the night as joy spilled freely across the grounds.
Moments later, fireworks exploded over Kampala, painting the sky in red, blue, and silver for nearly 10 minutes. The city felt transformed, darkness overcome by light, noise replaced by harmony. Tears glistened in some eyes, smiles widened on faces, and spontaneous worship broke out as hands lifted skyward in gratitude.
‘It is about unity through Christ,’ said Pr Julius Rwotlonyo, a team leader at Watoto Church Ministries. ‘The Christmas carols and the lighting of the Christmas tree remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, bringing people together and inspiring spiritual transformation.’
He added that despite the divisions facing the nation, Jesus came to unite people beyond all barriers.
He said Watoto Church remains committed to community transformation through faith and service, including support for five babies’ homes: Sanyu Babies Home, Nsambya Babies Home, James Foundation, and Whispers of Love in Iganga.
The event was organised by Watoto Church in partnership with several other churches, including All Saints Cathedral-Nakasero, Deliverance Church Makerere, Community Life Church Busega, Life Church Namasuba, House of Revival Kisaasi, AfriChorus Choir, and Elim Evangelistic Church.
In a message delivered by Ms Allen Kagina, former Unra executive director, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, called on Christians to promote peace, unity, and proper child upbringing as pillars of Uganda’s future. She pledged Shs50 million to support Watoto’s babies’ homes initiative.
As the final fireworks faded and the towering tree continued to glow against the night, Kampala stood illuminated, not just by lights, but by faith. Days before Christmas, the city witnessed more than a celebration; it witnessed history, written in light and praise, proclaiming that the Light of the World still shines.
The unveiling of the Christmas tree precedes Watoto Church’s annual Christmas Cantata, which will also be held at the Old Kampala Secondary School playground. For 40 years, the cantata has been hosted at Watoto Church Downtown, but the growing number of attendees necessitated a move to a larger venue.
The cantata begins today and runs until December 22, with one show each evening starting at 8pm. This year’s production is themed ‘Son of God.’