Robert Kayanja Biography: Wife, Age, Church, Net Worth, Family

Robert Kayanja biography unveils the inspiring life story of Uganda’s influential pastor and founder of Miracle Centre Cathedral. Learn about his wife Jessica, family, net worth, ministry, and spiritual journey.

Who is Robert Kayanja?

Robert Kayanja biography showcases the extraordinary life of one of Africa’s most influential Christian leaders and prosperity preachers. Born on January 24, 1962, in the humble village of Masooli in Wakiso District, central Uganda, Pastor Robert Kayanja has risen from obscurity to become the founder and senior pastor of Miracle Centre Cathedral, one of East and Central Africa’s largest Pentecostal megachurches with a seating capacity of 10,500 people.

At 63 years old (as of 2025), Pastor Kayanja’s life embodies what many consider miraculous transformation. Born into a Christian family as a “miracle baby” who survived birth complications when doctors had to choose between saving him or his mother, Kayanja defied medical odds and later overcame a childhood stutter to become one of the most eloquent and powerful preachers in contemporary African Christianity.

His ministry spans over four decades, having been called to serve God at age 17 and launched into full-time ministry at age 22 in 1985. What began as humble services conducted in a papyrus reed structure has blossomed into a global ministry with over 5,000 church branches across Uganda and presence in more than 80 nations worldwide. Pastor Kayanja is married to Jessica Kayanja, and together they lead Robert Kayanja Ministries, touching millions of lives through healing crusades, television broadcasts, humanitarian work, and spiritual revival meetings.

As founder and CEO of Channel 44 Television (Miracle Ltd), chairman of AfriAid, overseer of Miracle Bible College, and leader of numerous charitable initiatives including the Never Again Children’s Project and Kapeeka Orphanage, Pastor Robert Kayanja represents the convergence of spiritual ministry, media influence, and humanitarian service in contemporary African Christianity.

Personal Details About Robert Kayanja

Childhood and Family Origins

Pastor Robert Kayanja was born in Masooli, Gayaza, in Wakiso District to John Walakira (father) and Ruth Walakira (mother). His father was a reverend, which meant young Robert grew up immersed in Christian teachings and church activities from his earliest days. His family’s Christian roots extend back generations, with historical accounts noting his father’s connection to prominent Ugandan Anglican missionary Apolo Kivebulaya.

The Miracle Baby

Kayanja’s birth on January 24, 1962, was marked by severe complications during his mother’s difficult pregnancy. Medical professionals faced a life-or-death decision whether to save the mother or the child. Against medical expectations, both survived, earning Robert the designation of “miracle baby” among family and friends. This miraculous beginning would later inform his ministry’s emphasis on divine intervention and supernatural breakthroughs.

Growing Up in Poverty

Masooli village was characterized by widespread poverty, disease, and limited opportunities during Robert’s childhood. The situation that prevailed across much of central Uganda at that time left many people living without hope, battling sickness and the constant fear of death. These early experiences of hardship and suffering would later shape his compassion for the poor and his commitment to humanitarian work.

Overcoming a Childhood Stutter

Adding to the challenges of his birth and impoverished surroundings, Robert was born with a speech impediment—a stutter that made communication difficult. Children made fun of him for his inability to speak fluently, creating social pressure and embarrassment. Many questioned how God could possibly use someone with such a significant disability, especially for a calling that would require public speaking.

However, when Jesus visited and called him at age 17, the first miracle performed in his life was giving him the ability to speak well. This transformation was so complete that Pastor Kayanja later joked he became “the most talkative Ugandan in the land,” often speaking or preaching for up to eleven hours daily during revival meetings.

Educational Background

Pastor Robert Kayanja finished his Primary and High School Education in Kampala, Uganda. While specific details about his early educational institutions are not widely publicized, his upbringing in a Christian home with a reverend father ensured he received both formal education and biblical training from a young age.

His theological education continued through personal study, mentorship from established ministers, and practical ministry experience. After founding Miracle Centre, he established Miracle Bible College to train future ministers, reflecting his commitment to theological education and proper preparation for ministry work.

Throughout his ministry, Kayanja has emphasized continuous learning and spiritual growth, frequently traveling internationally to attend conferences, seminars, and training programs that have enriched his understanding of ministry and church growth principles.

Spiritual Calling and Ministry Foundation

Divine Encounter at Age 17

Through a truly divine encounter with Jesus Christ at the age of 17 in 1979, Robert Kayanja received his calling into ministry. This supernatural experience transformed his life trajectory and set him on the path that would eventually impact millions across the globe. The encounter not only called him to ministry but also healed his speech impediment, enabling him to communicate the gospel message effectively.

Launching Into Ministry at Age 22

At age 22 in 1985, Pastor Kayanja was officially launched into full-time ministry. Many people considered his first days in ministry very humble—The Miracle Centre was founded and services were held in a papyrus reed structure in Masooli, central Uganda, along with a few other young ministers. This modest beginning, conducted without formal infrastructure or significant resources, relied entirely on grassroots outreach to attract followers from surrounding rural communities facing economic hardship.

Early Ministry Challenges

Launching out into a world that hardly believed God still performed miracles, Pastor Robert faced numerous mountains to climb. Services focused on biblical preaching, prayer for miracles, and community support, laying the foundation for subsequent expansion. The early ministry operated on faith, with little financial support and constant skepticism from those who doubted Pentecostal teachings about healing and prosperity.

Despite these obstacles, miracle upon miracle, the church began to grow. As God’s people hungered and thirsted for more of God, there emerged a need for bigger facilities to be built, eventually leading to the construction of Miracle Centre Cathedral—now a debt-free building with a 10,500 seating capacity.

Miracle Centre Cathedral Development

From Papyrus Structure to Megachurch

The transformation of Miracle Centre from a papyrus reed structure to one of East Africa’s largest church buildings represents one of the most remarkable growth stories in African Christianity. The cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala, accommodates over 10,000 worshippers and stands as a testament to what Kayanja calls God’s faithfulness and favor.

The building project was completed debt-free, a source of pride for Pastor Kayanja who teaches principles of financial stewardship and avoiding unnecessary debt. The architectural design includes modern facilities, broadcast capabilities, and spaces designed to accommodate the various ministries operating under the Miracle Centre umbrella.

Expansion to 5,000+ Branches

By the 2020s, the ministry reported over 5,000 branches operating across Uganda, facilitating localized evangelism and community engagement under the oversight of Robert Kayanja Ministries. This proliferation contributed to reported weekly attendance in the tens of thousands at the main cathedral and its satellites, reflecting organizational scaling via trained leadership and replicable service models.

Administrative maturation included the formalization of leadership structures, with Kayanja retaining senior pastoral oversight while delegating roles to long-term associates who have served for nearly 30 years in various capacities. Recent initiatives, such as a five-year strategic plan launched around 2025 themed “Mobilising Christians for holistic development,” underscore ongoing efforts to integrate business, civic, and ecclesiastical elements for further institutional resilience.

Marriage and Family Life

Wedding to Jessica Kayanja

Pastor Robert Kayanja married Jessica Kayanja in August 1991, marking 34 years of marriage as of August 2025. Jessica Kayanja is not just a pastor’s wife but a dynamic minister, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in her own right. She co-ministers alongside her husband and founded Girl Power Ministries International, an organization focused on women’s empowerment headquartered in Kampala, Uganda.

Struggle for Children

In their first five marriage years, Robert and Jessica struggled to conceive children. This period of waiting and prayer tested their faith but ultimately strengthened their testimony. When children finally came, they viewed them as answered prayers and divine blessings.

Three Children

The couple now has three children: Robert Kayanja Jr. (born August 11, 1995) and twin daughters Kirstein Kayanja and Kristiana Kayanja. Their son Robert Jr. serves as a pastor within the family ministry and married Marlena Gailis, a Latvian partner, in July 2023 in a ceremony that incorporated traditional Ugandan elements alongside Christian ceremonies.

In 2004, one of their twin daughters, Kristiana, beat brain cancer—another miracle testimony that the family openly shares to encourage others facing health challenges. All three children are actively involved in Robert Kayanja Ministries in various capacities.

Family Ministry Partnership

The Kayanja family represents a ministry dynasty, with each member contributing unique gifts and abilities. Jessica’s Girl Power Ministries reaches women globally, Robert Jr. handles creative strategy and youth engagement, while the twin daughters contribute through fashion design and ministry support. This family partnership extends their reach and ensures generational continuity of the ministry vision.

Career Milestones & Ministry Timeline

Global Ministry Reach

Preaching in 80+ Nations

In over 36 years of ministry, Pastor Kayanja has preached in over 80 nations of the world, holding crusades and seminars for up to 200,000 people nightly. His international ministry has taken him to every continent, where he ministers healing, deliverance, and prosperity messages to diverse audiences.

His crusades are characterized by reports of miraculous healings, salvations, and transformative encounters with God. These international meetings have established his reputation as a leading voice in global Pentecostal Christianity and have created networks of partner churches and ministries worldwide.

Television and Media Ministry

Pastor Kayanja founded Channel 44 Television (Miracle Ltd), which broadcasts religious programming across Uganda and beyond. He is also a frequent speaker on Daystar Television Network, reaching millions of viewers internationally. His media presence has amplified his message far beyond what could be achieved through physical church services alone.

The strategic use of television, radio, and digital platforms has made Miracle Centre one of the most technologically advanced ministries in East Africa. The ministry’s embrace of online streaming, particularly during the 77 Days of Glory revival, attracted viewers from Australia, Singapore, USA, Israel, Canada, UAE, Yemen, and across Africa.

Humanitarian Work and Social Impact

Chairman of AfriAid

Pastor Kayanja chairs AfriAid, an organization focused on delivering food relief and long-term development aid to vulnerable populations in Uganda and neighboring regions. Through the Karamoja Project, AfriAid collaborated on initiatives to combat malnutrition affecting approximately 1.2 million residents, emphasizing sustainable hunger alleviation strategies.

President Yoweri Museveni publicly praised Pastor Robert Kayanja and General Salim Saleh for spearheading food aid to South Sudan, stating: “I congratulate the congregation and General Saleh for having the noble idea of helping our brothers and sisters in South Sudan who are in need.”

The Robert Kayanja Bucket Initiative

Launched in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Bucket Initiative distributed essential food supplies to over 50,000 families in Kampala and extended aid to communities in Uganda and South Sudan. This program, born from immediate relief needs, has continued as an ongoing effort to address food insecurity in underserved areas.

Children’s Ministries

Kayanja oversees Miracle Children’s Outreach, which includes the Never Again Children’s Home and Kapeeka Orphanage and Primary School, providing care, education, and support for orphaned and vulnerable children. These facilities offer shelter, schooling, and spiritual formation to hundreds of children who would otherwise lack opportunities for advancement.

Miracle Bible College

As overseer of Miracle Bible College, Pastor Kayanja has invested in training the next generation of Christian ministers. The college offers theological education combined with practical ministry training, producing graduates who serve in churches across Uganda and internationally.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

Awards and Honors

In 2014, Pastor Robert Kayanja took home the Worldsavers Man of the Year Award for his humanitarian contributions. He also received awards from Uganda Breweries Limited for his contribution to food security in the Karamoja subregion and won the VIGA Merit Award, Uganda’s National Interdenominational Gospel Awards.

Presidential Recognition

President Yoweri Museveni has publicly commended Pastor Kayanja’s humanitarian work, particularly his efforts in providing food relief to South Sudan during times of crisis. This recognition from Uganda’s head of state underscores the national significance of his charitable activities.

The 77 Days of Glory Revival

Pastor Kayanja became famously known for the Holy Spirit 77 Days of Glory revival, which began in 2017 and has been repeated multiple times. During these extended revival meetings, he stands and preaches for up to eleven hours each day for consecutive days, demonstrating what supporters call supernatural stamina and divine anointing.

The revival attracted global attention, with nations drawing themselves to Uganda seeking spiritual renewal. The prophetic word he had given in 2016—that “all eyes will be on Uganda and all nations will draw to this nation”—appeared to be fulfilled as people from around the world watched the revival via internet, television, and other media routes.

Books and Music Ministry

Holy Spirit Series

Pastor Robert Kayanja has written the Holy Spirit series of books, which explore Pentecostal theology, the work of the Holy Spirit, and principles for victorious Christian living. These publications have been distributed widely and translated into multiple languages.

Worship Music

He has also recorded numerous worship songs including: “Faithful To Me,” “I Love the Way,” “I Want to Know You,” “You Are Holy,” “Let Your Glory Come,” “Proclaim – My Hope and Trust in You,” “We Exalt Your Name Lord I Believe,” “Finally, Lord I Believe,” “I Love the Way You Handle My Situations,” “Best Days,” “Seek Your Face,” “Enter His Gates,” and “I Know a Man.”

These songs are regularly sung in Miracle Centre services and have been adopted by churches across Uganda and East Africa, contributing to his influence on contemporary African worship music.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Pastor Robert Kayanja’s net worth is estimated between $2.1 million and $700 million, depending on the source, making him one of the wealthiest pastors in Uganda. His financial success stems from multiple revenue streams including church offerings, book sales, media operations, real estate investments, and business ventures.

Sources of Wealth

He literally owns extensive tracts of land around Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater basin. His properties include a mansion seated on three acres of land on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kawuku Bunga and another residence in Ntinda. In June 2025, he received a Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedan, valued at approximately UGX 850 million, as a gift from a congregant.

Additionally, he owns several commercial properties including arcades in Kampala and operates as an importer of various products. His television station, Channel 44 (Miracle TV), represents a significant media asset generating both revenue and influence.

Prosperity Gospel Teaching

Kayanja encourages his congregation to prosper and use their wealth to serve God and help others. He teaches that material prosperity is a sign of God’s favor and blessing, though critics have accused him of promoting prosperity gospel that focuses excessively on material wealth rather than spiritual growth.

Philanthropy vs. Personal Wealth

Despite criticism about personal wealth accumulation, Pastor Kayanja uses significant portions of his income to support underprivileged children through church programs and countryside outreach. His humanitarian work through AfriAid and the Bucket Initiative demonstrates practical application of wealth for charitable purposes.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

2005 Prophecy

On December 31, 2005, Kayanja prophesied that one of the presidential election candidates would die. MPs expressed concern about this statement, though the prophecy did not come to pass before the election. This incident sparked debate about prophetic accuracy and the role of religious leaders in politics.

2006 Wealth Criticism

In 2006, he was criticized for amassing wealth and building a palace at Gaba, a suburb of Kampala on the shore of Lake Victoria. Kayanja told critics to mind their own business, saying that the grand house was a marriage gift to his wife, defending his right to personal prosperity.

2009 Sodomy Allegations

In May 2009, six alleged victims claimed to have been raped by Kayanja. After a police investigation, the six young men withdrew their accusations and claimed to have received money to falsely accuse him. Supporters charged adversaries with trying to harm his reputation before American preacher Benny Hinn’s scheduled visit to Miracle Centre Cathedral.

In August 2009, police confirmed investigation results and charged six other pastors with defamation. In October 2012, Buganda Road Court found six people, including Pastor Martin Ssempa, guilty of plotting to discredit Pastor Robert Kayanja’s name and career, fined them one million shillings (approximately $390 US) each, and required them to perform 100 hours of community service.

Tickoff Acaricide Controversy

The National Drug Authority (NDA) alerted the public about a fake acaricide called “Tickoff,” which Pastor Robert Kayanja was allegedly manufacturing and promoting at his church. The NDA, in collaboration with Uganda Police, seized over 100 samples from church supply stores for testing at government chemist labs.

Pastor Kayanja dismissed these claims, arguing the allegations were defamatory and intended to damage his reputation as a man of God. The controversy highlighted tensions between his business ventures and regulatory authorities.

Teaching and Prophetic Ministry

Core Messages

Pastor Kayanja’s teaching emphasizes miracles, signs, and wonders as evidence of God’s active presence in believers’ lives. He preaches about the transformative power of the altar—a sacred space where believers encounter God’s presence, receive divine intervention, and experience remarkable breakthroughs.

Prophetic Accuracy

His prophetic ministry has garnered attention, with supporters citing fulfilled prophecies such as his 2016 prediction about Uganda becoming a center of global spiritual attention, seemingly fulfilled during the 77 Days of Glory revival. He also prophesied in Kenya that their next president would be called Uhuru, which came to pass when Uhuru Kenyatta was elected.

Power of the Holy Spirit

Central to his ministry is emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s work in contemporary Christianity. His books and sermons extensively explore pneumatology (study of the Holy Spirit), encouraging believers to pursue intimate relationships with the Holy Spirit for empowerment, guidance, and supernatural manifestations.

Legacy and Influence

Pastor Robert Kayanja’s impact on African Christianity extends far beyond his congregation. He has influenced an entire generation of Pentecostal preachers in Uganda and East Africa who have adopted his emphasis on miracles, prosperity, and large-scale evangelism.

His model of combining media ministry, humanitarian work, and church planting has been replicated by numerous younger pastors who view him as a spiritual father and mentor. The establishment of over 5,000 church branches represents a movement that will likely continue growing for decades.

His children and spiritual sons continue the ministry vision, ensuring generational succession. Robert Kayanja Jr.’s involvement in creative strategy and youth ministry positions the next generation to adapt the ministry for contemporary audiences while maintaining its core message.

Interesting Facts

Miracle Birth: Doctors had to choose between saving him or his mother during childbirth; both survived against medical expectations.

Stutter Healed: Born with a speech impediment, he was supernaturally healed at age 17 when called to ministry.

Famous Siblings: His brother John Sentamu served as the Anglican Archbishop of York, one of the highest positions in the Church of England.

Marathon Preaching: During 77 Days of Glory, he preached for up to 11 hours daily, maintaining energy throughout.

Debt-Free Cathedral: The 10,500-seat Miracle Centre Cathedral was built without acquiring debt.

Global Reach: Despite starting in a village, he has ministered in over 80 nations worldwide.

Presidential Gift: Received a Mercedes-Maybach S560 worth approximately UGX 850 million in June 2025.

Conclusion

Robert Kayanja biography reveals a journey from humble village beginnings to international ministry influence. At 63 years old, Pastor Kayanja continues leading one of Africa’s most prominent Pentecostal movements, demonstrating that dedication, faith, and strategic vision can transform not just individual lives but entire communities and nations.

His story—from miracle baby with a stutter to eloquent preacher reaching millions—embodies the transformation narrative central to Pentecostal Christianity. Whether viewed as an inspirational figure demonstrating God’s power or a controversial prosperity preacher, his impact on Ugandan society and African Christianity remains undeniable.

Together with his wife Jessica and their three children, Pastor Robert Kayanja continues building a ministry legacy that spans humanitarian work, media influence, church planting, and spiritual revival. His vision of “ministering love in a hurting world” has manifested through feeding programs, orphan care, television broadcasts, and massive crusades that continue drawing thousands seeking spiritual encounters and physical miracles.

As Miracle Centre Cathedral and its thousands of branches continue expanding, Pastor Robert Kayanja’s influence appears poised to shape African Christianity for generations to come, inspiring believers to pursue both spiritual depth and material prosperity while serving those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old is Pastor Robert Kayanja? Pastor Robert Kayanja is 63 years old, born on January 24, 1962.

2. Who is Robert Kayanja’s wife? He is married to Jessica Kayanja since August 1991; she is a pastor, entrepreneur, and founder of Girl Power Ministries International.

3. How many children does Pastor Robert Kayanja have? He has three children: Robert Kayanja Jr., Kristiana Kayanja, and Kirstein Kayanja (twin daughters).

4. What is the seating capacity of Miracle Centre Cathedral? The Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala, has a seating capacity of 10,500 people.

5. How many branches does Miracle Centre Church have? Miracle Centre has over 5,000 church branches operating across Uganda as of 2025.

6. What is Pastor Robert Kayanja’s estimated net worth? Estimates range from $2.1 million to $700 million, derived from church offerings, real estate, media operations, and business ventures.