WAKISO .At least Shs888.9 million has been raised towards the construction of a new students’ chapel at King’s College, Budo.
The money was raised during a fundraising dinner organised on Friday. This drew hundreds of old students, parents, and well-wishers, all united by the shared goal of replacing the existing chapel, which was built in 1959 and can no longer accommodate the school’s growing population.
Presiding over the event, the retired Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira praised the initiative and urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and service to God. “It is by God’s grace that we have achieved what we have today. As we build this new chapel, let us also strengthen our relationship with Him and live lives of service and gratitude,” Bishop Luwalira said.
The Principal King’s College, Budo, Canon John Fred Kazibwe, said the decision to construct a new chapel was reached after realising that the current one, built more than six decades ago, could no longer meet the spiritual needs of the expanding school community.
“The student population has grown tremendously since 1959. We need a chapel that reflects our heritage, faith, and the future we are building for Budo,” Canon Kazibwe said, adding that the new chapel will seat 2,000 worshippers and will stand as a symbol of unity, faith, and resilience for both the current generation and future Budonians. Out of the Shs1 billion fundraising target, Kazibwe said at least Shs 888,932,575 was raised during the dinner, of which Shs 705,932,575 came in cash, and Shs182,325,000 in pledges.
He commended all contributors for their generosity, noting that the success of the campaign demonstrates the deep bond between the school and its alumni community.
“We are deeply grateful to our Budonians and friends who have made this possible. This is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about faith, legacy, and the future of this great institution,” he added.
The proposed new chapel will complement a series of modern facilities recently added to King’s College, Budo over the past four years. These include the newly completed Grace House, Australia House, and state-of-the-art classroom blocks, all part of the school’s broader effort to enrich learning and living conditions.