Ugandan politician builds a grand church at home after cancer treatment in Germany: “I promised God”
Former Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa has sparked national debate after funding the construction of a multimillion-shilling church in his home district of Sembabule, fulfilling what he described as a personal vow to God after surviving throat cancer.
The newly built All Saints Church–Sembabule, a 1,200-seat sanctuary under the West Buganda Diocese, was officially opened on April 27 with President Yoweri Museveni presiding. The project was a joint effort between Kutesa and Tororo Cement Limited, whose contributions were publicly praised by Museveni—especially the family of the late Hasmukh Kanji Patel, who, despite not being Christian, have supported multiple church constructions across Uganda.
During the inauguration ceremony, Kutesa shared the motivations behind the project. “This church is built for two main reasons,” he said. “First, in memory and thanks to our parents who received salvation and spread the gospel. Second, after surviving cancer, I promised God and myself that I would build Him a church in His honour.”
Kutesa had been diagnosed with throat cancer in November 2022 and spent six months in Germany undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He made a full recovery. However, rather than advocating for improvements to Uganda’s ailing healthcare system—particularly its limited and underfunded cancer treatment facilities—he chose to construct a church.
For some, the gesture was a moving testament of faith and personal gratitude. But for many others, especially online, it was an emblem of skewed priorities in African leadership.
“If the Germans built churches instead of hospitals, would he have gone there?” one user wrote. Another, @MonetizeAfricaX, put it more bluntly: “He got throat cancer, flew to Germany, got healed, and thanked God by building a church. Why not a cancer institute in that region? A version of Africanacity.”
Others questioned what the same money could have achieved if invested in Uganda’s struggling healthcare sector. “Imagine how far this could have pushed the Rotary cancer project in Nsambya,” wrote @JohnPaulOkwi. “Not many Ugandans will be lucky to travel to Germany for treatment.”
The responses laid bare a growing frustration with a political elite that often relies on foreign medical systems while neglecting domestic infrastructure. Uganda, like many African nations, continues to grapple with inadequate public hospitals, overburdened cancer centres, and limited access to specialist care.
Some social media voices defended Kutesa’s decision as a matter of personal faith. “That is his relationship with the Almighty God. People should stop attacking Kutesa,” wrote @JobLayNaman. Others saw it as symptomatic of a deeper issue. “Hospitals might save lives, but churches save souls, right? Priorities!” posted @tibzkarts2, with irony not lost on fellow commentators.
Critics also invoked the legacy of missionaries, who often built schools, hospitals, and churches—prioritizing health and education alongside faith. “They cared for humanity at least,” one post read.
In Uganda today, where the average citizen has little hope of affording treatment abroad, Kutesa’s decision resonates far beyond Sembabule. It highlights a painful question: When will the healing that Uganda’s leaders receive overseas translate into better healthcare for those left behind?
