Uganda Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis, Recalls His Deep Connection to the Country

Uganda has joined the global Catholic community in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, describing him as a unifying and compassionate spiritual leader whose legacy will live on in the hearts of Ugandans.

In an official statement on Monday, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, extended the government’s condolences to the worldwide Catholic Church, with particular emphasis on Uganda’s Catholic faithful.

“The government has sympathised with the Church and all Catholics in Uganda. We mourn with them during this difficult time,” said Dr Baryomunsi.

He praised Pope Francis for his unwavering commitment to social justice, peace, and dialogue, saying the pontiff transcended religious boundaries to become a global moral compass.

“He was not just a spiritual leader; he was a public voice and an advisor on key global and humanitarian issues,” Baryomunsi noted.

The minister fondly recalled Pope Francis’s historic 2015 visit to Uganda, where he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs.

The visit, he said, marked a defining moment in Uganda’s religious and diplomatic history.

“He will never be forgotten for his visit to Uganda. It was a great moment of unity and spiritual renewal. Uganda was close to his heart,” Baryomunsi said.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on 13 March 2013.

His papacy was marked by humility and a passionate defence of the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed.

Dr Baryomunsi confirmed that Uganda would be officially represented at the pope’s funeral through its embassy in Rome.

As the country mourns the death of a spiritual icon, many Ugandans are reflecting on the profound impact Pope Francis had — not just on the Church, but on global society — as a symbol of peace, unity, and compassionate leadership.

Pope Francis, who visited Uganda in 2015 during his first papal tour of Africa, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following complications related to double pneumonia