UGANDA: Recounting the Papal Visit of Pope Francis to Uganda in 2015
Pope Francis during his visit to Uganda
Fr. Isaac Ojok
The visit of Pope Francis to Uganda in 2015 from 27th-28th November generated joy, unity and peace among Ugandans. His visit brought profound spiritual significance in the land of the Martyrs. Arriving from Nairobi, Kenya, to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, he became the 3rd Pope to visit Uganda following the visits of Pope Paul VI in 1969 and Pope John Paul II now a saint in 1993 respectively.
While at Entebbe International Airport, late Pope Francis was received by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, religious leaders, alongside cultural, civil and other dignitaries. This was an opportunity for many Ugandans to encounter and receive apostolic blessings from the Roman Pontiff.
The Pope commended Uganda for hosting refugees from the neighboring countries of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia, respectively. He urged the authorities of Uganda to build a society guided by the gospel values, built on the foundation of justice, peace and reconciliation.
The late Pope Francis also emphasized the need for the authorities and other society’s stakeholders to promote respect for human rights, and dignity, care for the marginalized especially the poor, the elderly, and people with bodily impairments in society.
He made a passionate plea to Ugandans not to forget the poor in their vicinity. Speaking from the scene of Nalukolongo, one of the suburbs in Kampala city that is a home for the vulnerable persons, especially the elderly, he made a call to action for such marginalized categories.
While at Martyrs’ shrine, in Namugongo, the Pope honored the 22 Uganda Martyrs killed on account of their faith. Addressing the congregation, the late Pontiff spoke of durable faith of the Uganda Martyrs and invited the people of God to observe devotion to Christ, uprightness of life and truth following the example of Uganda Martyrs.
At Kololo ceremonial ground in Kampala, the Pope met the youth and urged them to grow in knowledge, kindness and goodness so as to enable them become change agents in the society. His message left significant impact in the lives of many young Ugandans.
His death on Monday, 21 April 2025, has left many people who encountered him in a state of mourning.
In an interview with AMECEA correspondent, Rev Monsignor Francis Omara, the Judicial Vicar of the Inter Diocesan Tribunal of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, noted that he met the late Pope Francis in 2015 during his pilgrimage in Uganda. He stated that the late Pope had a strong passion for the church, in which he dedicated his life and served diligently.
Monsignor explained that the late Pope Francis will be remembered as beacon of love and hope for migrants and refugees particularly those who fled wars from different countries. He noted that the Pope made heartfelt appeal to people to open their doors and embrace refugees.
He particularly pointed out the plea of late Pope Francis to Uganda’s leaders not to forget about the poor in their communities especially the elderly.
On his part, Rev. Fr. Stephen Odwongo, the Director Pontifical Mission Society-PMS Lira diocese said he encountered Pope Francis at the time when he was still a Major Seminarian during the visit of the Pope to Uganda in 2015. He recounted the message of the Pope to Seminarians then who encouraged them to remain relevant in the church and society at large.
Fr. Odwongo went on to say that the Pope passionately encouraged Seminarians to focus on their studies to enable them to become responsible pastors in the universal church.
The visit of Pope Francis to Uganda has significantly impacted the lives of many Catholics in the country, including increased devotion to the Uganda Martyrs killed on account of their faith, and pilgrimages to other holy sites within the country.
