CONFIRMED: David Calvin Echodu to Headline UGX 3.5 Billion Soroti PAG Cathedral Fundraiser on Saturday

David Calvin Echodu, a contender for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) Vice Chairperson for the Eastern region, is set to headline a high-profile fundraising drive for the UGX 3.5 billion Soroti Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Cathedral construction.

The event, slated for July 7, 2025, at Soroti Sports Ground, marks a significant milestone in the church’s efforts to build a modern, state-of-the-art cathedral capable of serving its fast-growing congregation.

The cathedral fundraising, organized under the theme “Building for God, Growing the Church,” aims to mobilize resources from believers, well-wishers, and the business and political community.

Soroti PAG’s new cathedral is envisioned to serve more than 3,000 worshippers and provide a permanent home for the faithful, whose numbers have overwhelmed the current church structure.

According to Bishop Mathew Omagor of PAG Teso Central Pastorate, the idea for the cathedral followed a comprehensive needs assessment which revealed the urgent need for a larger, more functional worship facility.

“We discovered that every Sunday, over 3,000 believers attend our three services, yet our current church can only accommodate about 750 people per sitting,” Bishop Omagor said in an interview.

“We need a permanent structure to host the growing numbers and allow for spiritual, social, and community development.”

The new cathedral is not just about spiritual space, but also community transformation.

The construction includes modern features such as improved ventilation systems, soundproofing, administrative offices, classrooms for Sunday school, and a capacity expansion that will allow it to serve the region for the next 100 years.

Engineer Simon Okello, the project manager, revealed that the project has already consumed UGX 260 million, primarily for substructure and slab completion. However, at least UGX 300 million is still needed to complete the substructure phase alone.

“The building is classified as a Class A structure and is projected to be completed over a period of three years,” Okello explained.

The event’s Chief Guest, David Calvin Echodu, is no stranger to the public.

A journalist turned politician has made headlines for his dual bid to unseat incumbent Captain Mike Mukula as NRM Eastern Uganda Vice Chairperson and Jonathan Ebwalu, the FDC stalwart currently representing Soroti City West in Parliament.

Echodu’s involvement in the cathedral project is widely seen as a signal of his growing influence in both political and faith-based circles.

His participation in the fundraiser is expected to galvanize support, not just for the church, but also for his political ambitions.

“Mr. Echodu’s decision to lead this fundraiser underscores his commitment to faith, community development, and his understanding of the spiritual needs of the people of Teso,” said Rev. Ekou Mackay, a senior pastor at Soroti PAG.

The event’s program includes a charity run starting at 9:00 a.m., covering the route from Soroti Sports Ground to Moru-Apesur, Agip, and back to the Sports Ground. Prayers led by Bishop Omagor will follow, culminating in the official launch of the fundraising.

The fundraiser has drawn attention from key stakeholders in the community, including media outlets.

Samuel Ejoku, a representative of Etop Radio, confirmed that the station has committed airtime worth over UGX 10 million to promote the initiative.

“The church is a pillar in our community, and we believe supporting its development is our duty as a community-based radio,” Ejoku said.

“Through this partnership, we’re not only giving back, but we’re also helping ensure that the spiritual home of our people is capable of meeting their needs.”

Etop Radio’s support includes talk shows, promotional mentions, and public service announcements aimed at mobilizing believers and non-believers alike to contribute to the cause.

“We know that the church we have now cannot handle the worshippers we serve,” Ejoku added. “We felt it very important to support this noble cause because this is where we draw our spiritual strength, and by supporting it, we are also thanking God for the trust the community has placed in us.”

In a bid to widen the pool of contributors, Soroti PAG has also rolled out a merchandise campaign to raise funds.

The church is selling kits valued at UGX 50,000, each containing a branded vest, cap, and water bottle. These kits are both a symbolic and practical way of involving the broader community in the project.

The leadership of the church has also appealed to businesspeople, politicians, and professionals from the Teso sub-region and beyond to rally behind the initiative.

“We can’t build this cathedral alone,” Bishop Omagor emphasized. “Our faith is rooted in Christ, and we believe that through Him, the resources will come from the hands of believers and well-wishers.”

Soroti Assembly currently manages 12 churches, and despite hosting thousands weekly, the strain on facilities remains significant.

The leadership believes this new cathedral will offer not just more space, but also better spiritual and developmental services.

As July 7 approaches, excitement is mounting within the church and community. The event is expected to attract believers from across the Teso sub-region, political leaders, businesspeople, and other stakeholders in the faith community.

“This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a divine calling to unite, build, and grow together,” said Rev. Ekou. “With unity, faith, and generous hearts, we will raise the cathedral, and with it, raise the spiritual and social standards of our people.”