As final preparations get underway for the Christmas Cantata production at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, Watoto Church has assured the public that safety and security remain a top priority. According to Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo, the Senior Pastor and Team Leader at Watoto Church, the Cantata is a gift to the city of Kampala, an opportunity for people to experience the story of Christmas free of charge.

“This year, since it is a gift to the city, we decided to do it together with other churches. We shall start on Wednesday night with an incredible City Carols Night, bringing together different churches to participate in singing these beautiful carols,” Pastor Rwotlonyo said during the press conference held on 15 December at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School.

Notably, like any large public event that attracts people from all walks of life, Watoto Church acknowledges that not everyone attending may share the same intentions. As a result, comprehensive security measures have been put in place to curb any potential challenges.

Assistant Superintendent of Police and Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan, Luke Oweyesigire, noted that the police are mandated to provide security for all participants and attendees of the Cantata. “The security we offer starts from the roads people use to access the venue and the parking areas. Watoto Church has booked parking spaces such as Malibu Gardens and Victorious Kindergarten, and all these places will be secured to ensure that vehicles are not vandalised,” he explained.

He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant with their personal belongings. “If you have children, make sure they are with you at all times. Everyone needs to be security-conscious,” he emphasised.

Oweyesigire also highlighted the importance of ensuring security at home, especially during the festive season when cases of break-ins and burglaries tend to rise. He encouraged the public to adopt target-hardening measures such as ensuring homes are properly locked and, where possible, using dogs as an added security measure.

“For you as an individual, before you do anything, make sure your life and property are safe and that your loved ones are secure. If you have someone to take care of your children that evening, that is fine. If not, you are welcome to come with them,” he advised.

According to pastor Rwotlonyo, Old Kampala Senior Secondary School will host the pioneer outdoor Christmas Cantata. Expressing excitement, he noted that what audiences have experienced indoors over the years will now be multiplied outdoors.

As preparations continue for the much-anticipated Missional Cantata, Pastor Rwotlonyo reminded the public that the event is completely free of charge, with no tickets on sale. He stressed that all Watoto Church events are free, and when tickets are ever issued, they are only meant to help control crowds.

“Anyone promising a seat or guaranteed access in exchange for purchasing a ticket is misleading the public, there is nothing like that,” he clarified.

Meanwhile, Production Team Lead, Pastor Brian Abaho described the Cantata as a memorable night of music and storytelling.

“It will be a night of beautifully crafted music and an excellently told Christmas story. The two-hour production will feature a number of performances one of which is the Watoto Children’s Choir and includes a special moment of lighting the Christmas tree,” he said.

The Cantata will feature different choirs around Kampala including, All Saints Cathedral, Deliverance Church Makerere, Community Life Church Busega, Life Church Namasuba, House of Revival Kisaasi, AfriChorus Choir, Elim Evangelical Church, and other local gospel artists.