Apostle Grace Lubega, founder of Uganda’s Phaneroo Ministries International, has sparked intense public discourse with his announcement of a $55 million (approximately Shs200 billion) mega-church project, touted as a symbol of divine prosperity and faith-driven ambition. The plan, however, has drawn both fervent support and sharp criticism, raising questions about the role of religious institutions in addressing societal challenges
The Vision: A Debt-Free "House of God"
Lubega unveiled the project during a sermon at Phaneroo’s Naguru campus, declaring it would be funded entirely through faith and congregational contributions, without loans or external fundraising. Emphasizing spiritual conviction over financial capacity, he stated:
“I know a young man in the ministry who is ready to give a million dollars. He doesn’t have a job, but he has the heart. That’s the one I’m looking for”
The proposed building, yet to disclose architectural designs or timelines, is positioned as East Africa’s largest and most iconic church facility. Lubega framed the project as an extension of his ministry’s growth—Phaneroo, founded in 2014, now draws thousands weekly and has expanded to international outreach programs
Public Reaction: Praise, Skepticism, and Outrage
The announcement triggered polarized responses:
- Supporters: Faith Over Finances
Phaneroo congregants and allies defended the project as a testament to divine providence. Supporters like @DrNuelMuhumuza argued the sum is “too little” for such a vision, while others stressed religious autonomy:
“Fixing roads or hospitals is the government’s duty, not the church’s”
Critics: Misplaced Priorities
Critics highlighted Uganda’s pressing issues—poverty, healthcare gaps, and infrastructure deficits—as more urgent than a lavish church. Dr. Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican bishop, condemned the plan as “robbery in Jesus’ name,” accusing Lubega of exploiting congregants’ “gullibility” amid national struggles . Social media users echoed this, with @blair_Kizza noting:
“$55M could build a high-level hospital. But what do I know?”
Skepticism Over Funding Claims
Lubega’s banking background and past controversies—including a 2023 court order to pay Shs300 million for illegal tenant evictions—fueled accusations of financial manipulation. Critics questioned how a debt-free project of this scale could materialize without pressuring followers.
Broader Context: Pentecostalism and Public Expectation
The debate reflects Uganda’s evolving religious landscape. Pentecostal movements like Phaneroo have surged in popularity, particularly among youth, blending charismatic worship with prosperity gospel teachings. Lubega’s rhetoric—such as linking “Baganda names to malevolent spirits”—has previously stirred controversy, underscoring his influence and divisiveness
Globally, mega-church projects often face scrutiny. Similar tensions arose in Nigeria with the $100 million Dominion City Church and in South Korea’s Yoido Full Gospel Church. However, Phaneroo’s case uniquely intersects with Uganda’s socio-economic realities, where 41% of youth are unemployed and public services remain underfunded
Phaneroo’s Defense: Legacy and Growth
Lubega’s supporters cite the ministry’s track record: from humble beginnings in 2014 (borrowing Shs5 million for microphones) to acquiring land in Naguru through what he describes as divine guidance. Testimonies of healings and transformative teachings bolster his credibility among followers
The mega-church, they argue, aligns with Phaneroo’s mission to “reveal God’s power” and inspire a generation. As one celebrant at Phaneroo’s 10th-anniversary event remarked:
“Nations will come to Uganda and say, ‘Show us the powerful God you serve’”
Conclusion: A Nation Grappling with Faith and Responsibility
The controversy underscores a deeper tension between spiritual aspirations and material needs. While Lubega’s vision embodies Pentecostal ambition, critics demand accountability in a nation where faith and reality often collide. As debates rage online and in pulpits, the $55 million question remains: Can grand religious projects coexist with urgent societal priorities, or do they risk overshadowing them?
For now, the plan stands—a monument to faith for some, a mirage of misplaced zeal for others.
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