GWR: Ugandan church breaks record for longest-handclapping session

A popular church in Uganda has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest applause after ecstatic members of the church clapped for 3 hours and 16 minutes nonstop.

The unprecedented three hours and sixteen minutes clapping marathon featured strict rules that included – clapping hands only with no vocal noise and stomping, no musical instruments, all phones in silent mode and no bathroom breaks.

Also, sound levels had to be maintained at 80 decibels for the duration of the attempt and, in case one needed a pint of water or some soda, someone would be assigned to them, holding a bottle to their mouth, as they sipped the drink, clapping.

This unprecedented achievement dubbed “Clap for Jesus” took place on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the UMA multipurpose hall as Phaneroo Ministries marked their 9th anniversary.

Phaneroo, known in Uganda for their vibrant and energetic gatherings, brought together thousands of enthusiastic attendees from all corners of Kampala as many watched by the sidelines as hundreds took part in the challenge.

Before embarking on the massive feat, Phaneroo Ministries International applied to the Guinness World Records organization and ensured compliance with all the guidelines set forth by the organization in Uganda.

The Guinness World Record adjudicators, who attended the event, appeared to confirm that Phaneroo had set a new record, surpassing the previous one.

Before Phaneroo took up the challenge, the world record for the longest clap was held by Stevens Clark, at 2 hours 5 minutes and was recorded at the Festival of Awesomeness-UK on the 20th of July 2019.

The church awaits eagerly the Guinness World Records decision on whether their hand-clapping marathon will become the new world record.

It can take up to 12 weeks for Guinness World Records to review the documentation and decide whether it has been accepted as a new record or rejected.