Several Rwandans are planning to visit Uganda during Pope Francis’s visit scheduled to take place on November 27. Speaking at The New Times’ on Thursday, Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege, the Catholic Church spokesperson in Rwanda, said the Pope’s visit will be important to Uganda and the region in general. “A number of Catholic Church faithful are preparing to go to Uganda to join their Ugandan countrparts in welcoming the Pope,” he said. He did not indicate the expected number of christians expected to travel and the day they will leave the country. ‘‘Apart from the five Catholic Church bishops in the country, other Christians who want to go are registering in different parts of the country, ‘‘ he added. On his first Africa visit, the pontiff will be in Kenya from November 25 to 27, before spending two days in Uganda and travelling to the Central African Republic (CAR), where his trip will end on November 30, according to a Vatican itinerary. After visiting the Anglican and Islam community in Uganda, the pope will look to improve unity between the Catholic Church and other Churches which is the main purpose of his visit. In Uganda, he will pay tribute to the Uganda Martyrs, honouring the memory of the 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic Ugandan martyrs, killed because of refusing to denounce their faith on the orders of King Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887 On November 27, the 50th Jubilee of the Martyrs will be celebrated. Pope Francis will be the third Pope to visit Uganda, after Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II in July 1969 and March 1993, respectively. Media reports indicate that a week before Pope Francis lands in Uganda, there is a lot of excitement among country’s Catholics and bussinesses. There is reportedly booming business for key rings, mugs, T-shirts and other souvenirs with the pope’s image. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
