The outgoing Primate of Rwanda, Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje, inaugurated a new 300 million Rwandan Franc (approximately £248,000 GBP) cathedral in Gasabo on Sunday, which will be the seat of his successor, Archbishop-Elect Laurent Mbanda. Dr Mbanda, currently bishop of Shyira, will be enthroned as the new Primate of Rwanda and Bishop of Gasabo on 10 June.

“I officially declare that the church of Kibagabaga Parish of Anglican Church in Rwanda is officially inaugurated as the Cathedral of Gasabo Diocese. It is named ‘Holy Trinity Cathedral,’” Archbishop Onesphore said during the inauguration service for the 1,000-seater building on Sunday (18 March).

“We thank every Christian who contributed to the construction of the cathedral,” Kibagabaga parish leader Samuel Kayitare told the New Times newspaper. “We initially had planned for a 250 million Rwandan Franc budget for the construction but it will exceed 300 million Francs as we add more features.”

Among the new features is sound-proofing measures to comply with local building regulations.