By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
The Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Church in Soroti City is currently seeking Shs3.3 billion to finalize construction of its new modern cathedral.
The yet-to-be-finished cathedral will feature an auditorium and a gallery with a capacity for 2,000 worshippers, sound control rooms, two large children’s church halls, seven administrative offices, male and female restrooms, a conference facility, and a spacious kitchen and dining area, among other amenities.
According to figures from the city assembly, nearly Shs500 million has been raised since the construction began in 2023. This sum includes over Shs455 million already invested to raise the cathedral to the slab level, along with Shs44 million collected in cash and pledges during the Cathedral Thanksgiving on Sunday, 14th December, 2025 at Soroti Secondary School.
Eng. Paul Godfrey Angeret, the project engineer and managing director of Arch Techno Crafts Limited, noted that the cathedral’s construction, initially targeted for completion within three years from 2023, is now significantly delayed. To date, only Shs500 million has been collected out of the total contract sum of Shs3.8 billion (approximately USD 1.2 million).
Currently, the physical progress at the construction site stands at 10%, remaining at the slab level, with financial progress at 12%, reflecting Shs455.3 million.
Funding for the cathedral’s construction relies solely on contributions from Christians, well-wishers, and organizations.
The project is overseen by a committee from P.A.G Soroti City Assembly, without the engagement of a specialized consultant or contractor.
Angeret highlighted inadequate cash flow as a significant challenge, leading to delays in project completion, which was originally scheduled for next year.
Dr. Dorothy Echodu, wife of the NRM’s National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, shared her thoughts, stating that serving God through prayer and action truly matters. She affirmed support for the cathedral’s construction and encouraged Christians to contribute generously without expecting anything in return from God.
Dr. Echodu explained the need for a larger worship space, citing the growth in attendance at P.A.G Main Church Agip as evidence of God’s blessings in Soroti.
She urged the Christian community to give generously, sharing that her family has experienced numerous blessings through their support.
Bishop Mathew Omagor of the P.A.G Teso Central Pastorate underscored the pressing need for a more spacious and functional worship environment. “Every Sunday, over 3,000 believers attend our three services, yet our current church only accommodates around 750 people per sitting,” he stated. He emphasized that a permanent structure is crucial for accommodating the increasing congregation and promoting spiritual, social, and community growth.
During a heartfelt thanksgiving ceremony themed “God’s Kingdom, a Place of Valuable Investments,” Rev. Simon Peter Emiau, the Presiding Bishop of P.A.G Uganda, highlighted the incredible potential of investing in God’s kingdom.
Rev. Emiau, with unwavering faith that the cathedral will be completed, explained that investing in the kingdom of God offers far greater rewards than worldly pursuits, where wealth can easily be taken away, corroded, or consumed by moths.
“This investment in the kingdom alters your social and economic status, elevating you as a unique individual. It can transform the future you desire, offering eternal value and incredible rewards,” he shared.
He noted that the church’s generosity appears limited, as some believers have yet to witness these transformative changes. Many hold the misconception that God is already abundant and instead seek His support for personal needs.
The bishop encouraged Christians to cultivate a spirit of generosity, as it is essential for advancing God’s mission through the completion of the cathedral.
Rev. Emiau also expressed his sincere appreciation for Dorothy and Calvin Echodu for their significant contributions to the construction of this sacred space.
Representing Bishop Kosea Odongo, Rev. Emmanuel Elianu, the diocesan mission coordinator of the Church of Uganda in the diocese of Soroti, presented a contribution of Shs200,000 for the P.A.G cathedral and urged the congregation to seize every opportunity God provides to expand their reach.
Michael Osege, the chairperson overseeing the cathedral’s construction in Soroti, commended the church members for their generous support and applauded a group of influencers for their innovative resource mobilization efforts for the project.
In closing, the call to action is clear: Let us continue to invest in the kingdom and build a brighter future together.
