Watoto Church has promised to light the “tallest and biggest Christmas tree you have ever seen” during the 2025 edition of its iconic Christmas Cantata, the biggest and most spectacular festive season production in the country’s history.
This year’s Cantata, themed “Son of God,” will run from 19–22 December 2025, with one show every night at 8:00 PM. And for the first time ever, the event is moving outdoors—to the expansive Old Kampala Secondary School football grounds, expected to host over 50,000 people across four nights.
But even before the first note is sung, Watoto is preparing to make history: on 17 December, the church will light what leaders describe as “the tallest and biggest Christmas tree you have ever seen—visible from the seven hills of Kampala.”
The lighting will take place during the inaugural City’s Carols Night, a new citywide worship and carol-singing gathering in partnership with churches across Kampala.
“A gift of love to the city”
Addressing journalists at Watoto Church Downtown, Worship Arts Pastor Graham Tugume said this year’s production is the culmination of thousands of volunteer hours involving singers, dancers, actors, set designers, technical teams, and scriptwriters—many of whom begin preparing as early as August.
“For over 40 years, the Watoto Christmas Cantata has been our gift of love to Kampala and the nation,” he said. “This year, the experience will be bigger, brighter, and better.”
The Cantata, once known for its Singing Christmas Tree of stacked choir members, has evolved into a world-class production that draws audiences from across the globe.
Some, Pastor Tugume noted, “fly in from Europe every year just to attend.”
Theme 2025: Son of God
The Cantata will tell the timeless Christian story of God giving His Son to the world—born in a manger, walking among humanity, dying for sin, and rising again.
“We present an old message in a new, relevant way,” Tugume said. “And people don’t have to wait for the Cantata to respond to it.”
Bigger Venue, Bigger Vision
Traditionally held in Watoto’s 1,200-seat Downtown building—with as many as 18 shows in seven days—the Cantata had outgrown its venue. Large crowds, queues stretching along Kampala Road, and thousands turned away each year pushed the church to find a bigger solution.
This year, the shift to an outdoor venue changes everything: one show per night, 10,000+ seats per show, virtually no queues and a weekend run (Friday–Monday). The production remains completely free.
The City’s Carols Night
On 17 December, two days before the Cantata begins, Watoto will host the first-ever City’s Carols Night, a collaborative gathering where choirs from many local churches and communities will lead Kampala in singing Christmas hymns together.
“We want the whole city to lift up the name of Jesus,” Tugume said. “This is not a performance—it is participation.”
The highlight will be the lighting of the massive Christmas tree, which church leaders say will tower taller than some city buildings.
“When the tree lights up, we want Kampala to remember that Jesus is the Light of the World,” said Pastor Edward Mwesigye (Pastor Eddie).
Security on high alert
To ensure safety for tens of thousands of attendees, Watoto has partnered with the Uganda Police Force, private security firms, a canine unit, snipers and special forces.
Offerings to support babies in crisis
While entrance remains free, offertory collected during the events will be donated to organisations that care for vulnerable babies in Kampala.
SafeBoda announces discounted rides for attendees
Representing SafeBoda, Branding and Activations lead Calvin Mukooli announced discounted transport for the public attending both the Carols Night and the Cantata.
“Safety is at the core of who we are,” Mukooli said. “We will provide discounted rides for both SafeBoda motorcycles and SafeCar to ensure everyone arrives and leaves safely.”
He added that SafeBoda will have visibility and activations at the venue, and attendees can now order up to five rides using a single phone.
