President Museveni and other leaders mourn Pope Francis

23 April 2025, 8:04 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

On 21st, April, 2025, the supreme leader of the catholic church in the whole world, and the head of Sovereign City of Vatican, Jorge Mario Bergoglio who chose to be called Francis. Pope Francis, was announced dead by the Vatican. After suffering from double pneumonia and other illnesses according to his Doctors. The message of his departure caused many people to wonder since on the day earlier he made a public appearance and participated in Easter Mass.

It is against this background that the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni and other prominent leaders delivered their condolence messages to the Catholic Church and the entire world. “Your Eminence Pietro Paroli, It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Catholic Church worldwide. His Holiness Pope Francis will be remembered as an extraordinary spiritual leader and a deeply respected theologian whose unwavering commitment to the faith revitalized the Church’s mission in an increasingly secular world,” Museveni said.

The president added that the departed’s voice for peace, social justice, compassion, and humility touched the hearts of millions and inspired hope among the faithful. And that the Pope’s readiness and enthusiasm to deal with other faiths such as the Moslem, the Orthodox Christians, etc, meant that he was a religious leader who was truly in the track of Jesus. He quoted the scripture in the book of Luke:10:29- 37, where Jesus taught about a good Samaritan. “His legacy of love, unity, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come. We stand in solidarity with Catholics in Uganda and around the globe during this time of mourning. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.

Meanwhile during yesterday’s press conference by the National Unity Platform (NUP) at their headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, the leader of the party, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, before making his speech to the party leaders in Buganda region, Kyagulanyi asked them all to rise up and take a moment of silence in memory of the late Pope Francis. During his address he appealed to the leaders and all Ugandans to participate in the fourth coming elections and warned those who think according to him, that their coming to the headquarters, will automatically make them get the party flag. “To you who come here, don’t think that coming here, you will obviously get the card, No. It is your actions that will help you get the card,” Kyagulanyi said. The party secretary general Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that the party card is among people. He advised them to be on the ground. Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, the party deputy president in Buganda region, said that leaders who are no longer active in party activities, they are given one month to check themselves.

Additionally, The Member of Parliament for Mawogola South, Hon. Gorreth Namugga, used the opportunity to make a statement about the fallen Pope. “It is a sad moment to the world especially the Catholic Church. Pope Francis died at a time when the world needed him most. Violation of human rights is high, countries fighting each other, etc. Pope Francis has been against such acts. As leaders we need to pick a leaf from him and fight those acts especially the violation of human rights.” she sai. The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, said that, Pope Francis was the rare leader who made individuals want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound. Embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners and reminded leaders that they are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.

The church of Uganda, through his Grace the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu Mboowa eulogized the fallen Pope as a leader who fronted, humanity, peace and martyrdom. He commiserated with the Roman Catholic Church over the loss of the holy Father. Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, said that Pope Francis left a spiritual and ethical legacy that will shape the collective conscience for generations to come. “May we honor his memory by continuing to work for a world that reflects the solidarity, justice, and sustainability that he so powerfully embodied,” he said. President of the United States, Donald Trump, ordered all the flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-mast in memory of the departed Pope. Trump and some other leaders have confirmed their attendance on Saturday 26th, when the body of Frances will be laid to rest. Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the acting head of Vatican until the new Pope is elected in about two weeks’ time.