Former Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa has constructed a multi-million-shilling church in his home district of Sembabule as a personal vow to God following his recovery from throat cancer.
The church, named All Saints Church, was inaugurated on April 27, 2025, with President Yoweri Museveni officiating the ceremony.
Kutesa revealed that he had spent six months undergoing treatment in Germany in 2022 and promised to build the church as a gesture of gratitude for his healing.
“In November 2022, I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I spent six months in Germany undergoing chemotherapy & radiotherapy, by God’s grace, I recovered,” he said.
Sam Kutesa Invites Museveni
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the inauguration of the All-Saints Church in Sembabule, located within the West Buganda Diocese of Sembabule District.
The church, with a seating capacity of 1,200, was built through a partnership between former Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa, and Tororo Cement Limited, with construction beginning in October 2023.
However, a section of Ugandan citizens has criticized the move, stating that the funds could have been better utilized to improve the country’s healthcare system, particularly cancer treatment facilities, which would benefit citizens who cannot afford overseas medical care.
The decision to build a church instead of investing in healthcare infrastructure has led to widespread criticism on social media platforms.
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Ugandan’s Reactions
“He got throat cancer, flew to Germany for treatment and got healed, and the way to thank God for healing him is building a church, why not a cancer institute in that region?” Afrikaan wrote on his X.
“Imagine how far this could have pushed the Rotary cancer project in Nsambya. Not many Ugandans will be lucky to travel to Germany for treatment,” X user JP said.
“Instead of a cancer institute, they opted for another church—as if Uganda was in short supply of places to worship! The new plan is to send folks to pray when they get throat cancer. What a divine strategy!” Freelance Diplomat said.
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About Sam Kutesa
Sam Kahamba Kutesa is a Ugandan lawyer and politician, born on February 1, 1949. He has held various influential positions, including serving as Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2014 and another stint from 2015 to 2021.
Kutesa also served the elected Member of Parliament for Mawogola County in Sembabule District and briefly served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly during its 69th session in 2014–2015.
Additionally, he studied at Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree, Kutesa also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala.
In addition, early career included private law practice and roles in corporate law and litigation.
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