As the final seconds of 2025 faded away, Kampala City and its surrounding metropolitan areas were transformed into vibrant centres of worship as thousands of Christians gathered overnight to welcome 2026 through crossover and Passover prayer vigils. Churches, open-air grounds and cultural venues filled with prayer, praise and reflection, marking one of Uganda’s most deeply rooted religious traditions.
Across the capital, believers spent the night praying, singing and listening to sermons centred on spiritual renewal, transition and hope. Fireworks lit up the skyline as worshippers symbolically crossed into the new year, committing their lives and the nation to God.
Uganda, where more than 80 per cent of the population identifies as Christian, has seen crossover services evolve over the years from small prayer meetings into massive gatherings drawing tens of thousands. Religious leaders say these vigils play a critical role in helping believers navigate economic uncertainty, social pressure and rising political tension, especially ahead of the January 15 general elections.
“The crossover night is not merely a celebration; it is a spiritual bridge,” said Dr Miriam Nakazibwe, a religious anthropologist at Makerere University. “These gatherings help people process anxiety, restore hope and find meaning through scripture, especially in times of national transition.”
Major Churches Draw Thousands Across the City
Large crowds assembled at The Worship House in Nansana, where Pastor Wilson Bugembe led multiple crossover services to accommodate the overwhelming turnout. Addressing the congregation, he urged Christians to place their confidence in God rather than material gain as they step into 2026.
Quoting Proverbs 23:17, Bugembe warned against envy and fleeting success. “In 2026, let your hope be anchored in the fear of the Lord, not in fleeting achievements,” he told worshippers.
At Old Kampala Grounds, Bishop David Kiganda delivered a message drawn from Judges 6:16, reminding believers of God’s reassurance to Gideon. He encouraged unity and courage as the nation approaches a critical political period. “As we cross into this new year, God is saying, ‘I am with you.’ Face your giants with faith,” he preached.
Passover Themes of Crossing and Protection Dominate
Doxa Grounds hosted the highly attended 2025–2026 Passover Festival led by Apostle Dr Joseph Sserwadda of Victory Christian Centre–Ndeeba. Drawing inspiration from Exodus 12, Sserwadda described the night as a divine crossing marked by protection and transformation.
“We declare that the small beginnings of faith in 2025 become strongholds of victory in 2026,” he proclaimed to the cheering crowd.
Meanwhile, at Phaneroo Ministries International in Naguru, Apostle Grace Lubega led the ministry’s signature Night of Prayer. He encouraged believers to release burdens from the past year and embrace the new one with gratitude and faith, citing Psalm 65:11. “Step into 2026, crowned with God’s goodness. Let prayer be your weapon,” he said.
Messages of Forgiveness, Strength and Renewal
Elsewhere in the city, Pastor Aloysius Bugingo of Canaan Land’s House of Prayers International Ministries emphasised forgiveness and restoration, preaching from Luke 15, the parable of the prodigal son. Gospel artist Levixone led worship during the service, creating a reflective atmosphere.
In Kansanga, Pastor Isaac Kyobe Kiweweesi conducted an anointing service under the theme “Strengthen Yourself in the Lord,” referencing 1 Samuel 30:6. Declaring a year of resilience, he told congregants, “Forgive, fortify and flourish, 2026 is your season of strength.”
Other all-night worship gatherings included Watoto Church’s All-Night Sing, the Cross Overnight at Makerere Full Gospel Church, and solemn crossover liturgies at Lubaga Catholic Cathedral and All Saints Cathedral. At All Saints Cathedral, worshippers reflected on Philippians 3:13, focusing on letting go of the past and pressing forward with renewed purpose.
Faith, Culture and Entertainment Blend into the New Year
As fireworks illuminated the night sky, the vigils reflected more than celebration. They revealed a shared longing for peace, stability and divine direction in the year ahead. “This is how we enter the new year, strengthened in the Lord,” said Sarah Nabukeera, a worshipper at Makerere Full Gospel Church.
Beyond church grounds, Kampala also welcomed 2026 with cultural and entertainment events. At the Lubiri Grounds, revellers gathered for the Enkuuka cultural festival, attended by Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and featuring performances by musicians and comedians. High-energy concerts also drew large crowds across the city, including a show by Awilo Longomba at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
As dawn broke, Kampala emerged from a night marked by prayer, celebration and reflection, ushering in 2026 with faith-filled anticipation for what lies ahead.
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