St Luke church of Uganda marks 100 years of faith, service and growth

22 October 2026, 8:53 am

By Onyinge Ivan

St Luke Church of Uganda in Amolatar District has celebrated 100 years of ministry, during which it has baptised more than 6,583 people and solemnised about 400 marriages since its establishment in 1926.

The centennial celebration, held on October 18, 2026, coincided with St Luke Day at Apalepe Cell, Apalepe Ward in Amolatar Town Council. The event brought together church leaders, Christians, local leaders and guests to reflect on the church’s achievements over the past century and outline development plans for the future.

Speaking during the celebrations, Mr Odur Obia, the Headteacher of Amolatar and Vice Chairperson of the Laity at St Luke Church, said the institution has grown into a mother church for several daughter congregations.

He said St Luke has helped establish churches including Abaler, St Mathias, Prison Church of Uganda, Obanga Pe Wany Church of Uganda and Odongjwijo, among others.

Mr Odur noted that the church also has a strong contribution to education in the area. It founded Amolatar Primary School in 1927 and later established Amolatar Senior Secondary School in 1982.

“Over the years, the church has continued to serve both spiritually and socially, especially through education, evangelism and community development,” he said.

The church currently has an estimated membership of 732 Christians and owns 116 acres of land spread across three pieces of property.

St Luke has also produced several notable church leaders, among them the Bishop’s Commissary, the Very Rev. Can. James Okaka; the Dean of the Cathedral, Rev. Can. Vincent Ogwang; the Archdeacon, Ven. Rev. Tonny Mike Okello; Rev. Denis Orach; and Rev. Deacon Milton Odongo.

Since 1926, the church has been served by 35 catechists, 17 ordained reverends and nine chairpersons of the laity.

As part of its current work, St Luke Church is undertaking environmental conservation activities through planting eucalyptus and pine trees. It is also planning to construct a girls’ dormitory at Amolatar Primary School, alongside other education-related facilities.

The church’s future development agenda includes the construction of a modern church building, establishment of a Health Centre III, construction of a Christian guest house and a spiritual retreat centre. Other priorities include increasing missionary outreach by 80 percent and fencing church land to protect its property.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Amolatar District, Ms Roda Oroma, who was the guest of honour, congratulated the church upon reaching the milestone.

She encouraged Christians to remain committed to service and generosity, saying that no contribution made in service to God and the community is too small.

“There is no loss in serving and giving. Even the smallest contribution has value,” Ms Oroma told the congregation.

The Bishop’s Commissary, the Very Rev. Can. James Okaka, also applauded St Luke Church for its century-long ministry and its contribution to the spiritual and social development of Amolatar.

However, he cautioned church leaders against borrowing church funds for personal use, urging them to uphold accountability and proper stewardship of resources entrusted to the church.

St Luke Church has now attained the status of an Urban Archdeaconry headquarters. It currently oversees four parishes: Amolatar Vicarage, Agwingiri Parish, Muntu Parish and Aagikdak Parish.

The centennial celebration reaffirmed St Luke Church of Uganda’s place as a key spiritual, educational and community institution in Amolatar, with leaders expressing confidence that its next century will be marked by expanded ministry, stronger mission work and further development.