By ”Pope Francis has expressed willingness to come to Uganda to officiate at the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Uganda Catholic Martyrs at Namugongo next year,” a statement issued by Uganda’s state house.
The statement went on to say that the Pope was in yesterday’s meeting with President Yoweri Museveni in his office at the Papal building in the Caticano when he talked about his willingness to visit Uganda.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady Janet Museveni and a powerful government delegation including Ministers; Adolf Mwesigye Local Government, the Chief Whip Hon. Kasule Lumumba, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem.
Others in the delegation include LCV chairperson Kamuli District Salaam Musumba who is representing leaders of local governments, Mama Thereza Mbire a senior advisor to the President representing the Laity Catholics, MP Margret Alepune who is representing the Catholic Chapter in the Parliament Monsignor Odongo, the Vicar General of Gulu Diocese representing the Archbishop, and Mzee Victor Kobero who is representing the business community. Mengo was represented by Kalule Mugerwa.
The Pope explained that he is willing and looking forward to the trip. He said that Uganda Martyrs are considered very important in the Catholic Church.
“I am willing to come to Uganda,” he stressed.
President Museveni introduced his delegation to his host by their names one by one as they shook hands with the Pope. After the official delegation, the humble Pope invited a team of the Presidential Press Unit and other members of staff who accompanied the President to greet him.
Back in Uganda, Catholics are excited over the news of the Popes intended visit.
“We are eagerly waiting for the pope.Our country is made up of religious people.We will show him our love when he comes,” said Specious Namatovu , a leader of Catholic women in Uganda.