Recap: Pope Francis’ Visit to Uganda in 2015
Pope Francis visited Uganda from November 27 to November 29, 2015, as part of a six-day African tour that also included Kenya and the Central African Republic. This was his first papal visit to Africa and the third time a pope visited Uganda, following Pope Paul VI in 1969 and Pope John Paul II in 1993. The visit centered on honoring the Uganda Martyrs, 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts martyred between 1885 and 1887 under Kabaka Mwanga II, and addressing themes of faith, peace, and social justice.
Key Events of the Visit
Arrival and Welcome:
Pope Francis landed at Entebbe International Airport on November 27 at 5:05 PM aboard an Alitalia plane, greeted by President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Papal Nuncio Michael Blume, and a vibrant crowd with traditional dancers and drummers.
He proceeded to the State House for a brief meeting with President Museveni and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.
Munyonyo Shrine:
On the evening of November 27, Francis visited the Munyonyo Shrine, where the Uganda Martyrs’ martyrdom began. He met with catechists and teachers, emphasizing their role in spreading faith.
Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine:
On November 28, Francis celebrated a Mass at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, attended by an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people, including Presidents Museveni, Kiir, and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, as well as descendants of Kabaka Mwanga II.
He honored the 22 Catholic martyrs canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1964, praising their witness and urging Ugandans to emulate their zeal in caring for the marginalized. He also visited the Anglican martyrs’ shrine nearby, acknowledging the “ecumenism of blood.”
Kololo Airstrip:
Later on November 28, Francis met with approximately 150,000 Ugandan youths at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala. Two youths shared testimonies about challenges like conflict and HIV, and Francis urged them to resist corruption, which he called “like sugar—sweet but bad for you,” and to pursue education and employment to counter extremism.
Rubaga Cathedral:
Francis visited St. Mary’s Cathedral in Rubaga, addressing priests, religious, and seminarians. He encouraged them to remain faithful to their calling and to support Christian families, emphasizing marriage preparation and parental roles in faith education.
Mapeera Bakateyamba Home:
He visited this home in Nalukolongo, interacting with people with disabilities, reinforcing his message of compassion for the marginalized.
Departure:
On November 29, Francis departed for the Central African Republic, concluding his Uganda visit. The trip was marked by large, joyful crowds lining the roads, with thousands waiting hours for a glimpse of the pope.