As fireworks and concerts prepare to mark the New Year across the world, Ugandan churches are offering a different kind of celebration, welcoming 2026 with prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Here is a look at how churches intend to usher believers into the New Year:
Candlelit masses and overnight services
From midnight candlelit masses to all-night praise services, national prayers, and prophetic gatherings, congregations are emphasising hope, peace, and thanksgiving over entertainment ahead of the January 15, 2026 General Election.
Religious leaders who spoke to Monitor on Wednesday said the season is a time to commit the year ahead to God, particularly as the country approaches a politically sensitive period.
At Rubaga Catholic Cathedral, preparations are in full swing. Assistant Cathedral Administrator Rev Fr John Mary Walugembe said ‘the church will hold two closing Masses on December 31, starting at 9:00 pm at Rubaga Cathedral and 8:00 pm at Nalukolongo Catholic Sub-Parish.’
On January 1, three masses will be celebrated at Rubaga at 7:00 am, 8:00 am, and 10:00 am, led by Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere.
All Saints and SDA Celebrations
All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, will host an overnight crossover Anglican service on December 31, led by Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba.
A 10:00 am service on January 1 will be led by Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese, Jackson Frederick Baalwa, according to Cathedral Provost Very Rev Canon Dr Rebecca Nyegenye.
The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church is holding crossover services across its branches, including Najjanankumbi and Kampala Central, starting at 9:00 pm on December 31, 2025.
All-night praise across evangelical church networks
Watoto Church Ministries will celebrate across 18 branches nationwide, hosting all-night praise and worship from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, said Pastor Julius Rwotolnyo.
Worship House Ministries, led by Pastor Wilson Bugembe, will hold prayers at Nansana, Busabala Primary School, Kiwatule-Kyambogo Primary School, and Mercy Church Wakiso-Mende.
Phaneroo Ministries International is hosting a night prayer event from 5:00 pm at Naguru, featuring Nigerian gospel singer Ada Ehi. Phaneroo founder Apostle Grace Lubega said it is expected to attract believers from Africa, Europe, and America. ‘This is a year of increase without burden.progress without struggle,’ she said.
Other gatherings across Uganda
Other gatherings include the House of Prayer Ministries Vision Night at Makerere Kikoni, Mutundwe Christian Fellowship at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, and the Victory Christian Centre 24th Passover Festival in Lubowa, featuring gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.
Brother Ronnie Ministries will hold crossover services at Holy City Church, Entebbe. Zoe Ministries will begin 2026 on January 6 with the ‘True Spirit of Prophecy Service’ at Kigo-Lweza.
Faith, unity, and national cohesion
Religious leaders are dominantly emphasizing prayers for peace, tolerance, and unity during the crossover services, signaling that Uganda’s New Year coincides with preparations for the January 15, 2026 General Election.