Pope's visit: Lubaga community tidies up

By Juliet Lukwago   

KAMPALA - Ahead of Pope Francis’ expected visit in November, the community of Lubaga is not waiting for last-minute patch-up work.

A tree-planting drive has been launched in the area to add a sense of beauty there months before the papal visit.

It is understood – although not confirmed – that the pope will visit Lubaga Hill, being the seat of the Mother Church during his brief stay in the country.

The project, launched by the Kampala archdiocese in conjunction with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), is intended to add a touch of splendor to the roads in the division.

Over 500 Algum trees have already been planted along four of six roads in the area.

The pope is expected to jet into the country on November 27 for a two-day stay before flying out to Central African Republic (CAR).

Uganda will be privileged to have hosted three different popes when Pope Francis comes around – the first was Pope Paul VI in 1969 and then Paul John Paul II in 1993.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, said the theme of the latest papal visit will be ‘You will be my witness’ extracted from the Acts of the Apostles (1:8).
 

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The tree-planting project is meant to beautify the area ahead of the papal visit. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

During his visit, Pope Francis will celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the canonization of the holy martyrs of Uganda, killed decades ago because of their faith.

Lwanga said the chosen theme symbolizes the Uganda martyrs.

He called on Ugandans – Christians and non-Christians – to contribute to the general preparations for the coming of the leader of the world’s Catholics.

A bank account (3810600046) intended for the cause has already been opened in Centenary Bank under the name ‘Uganda Martyrs Shrine Golden Jubilee’.

(To contribute via MTN: Go to MTN Mobile Money >> Pay bill >> Pay goods and services >> NAMUGONGO >> amount >> name of sender >> enter PIN number >> Yes/OK)

With the pope coming, repairs are under way at the martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo. Archbishop Lwanga said the Munyonyo martyrs’ shrine is also planned for redevelopment.

“As Pope Francis is scheduled to visit these two shrines, it falls to all of us to implement these developments, to put the Martyrs’ Shrine on the international level and also make them a convenient place for the pilgrims,” he said.

Which major renovations considered, the Church, according to Lwanga, needs about sh50bn to complete the work.

Meanwhile, Kampala Archdiocese chancellor Fr Dr Joseph Ssebunya urged Christians to emulate the martyrs if the country is to improve socially, economically and religiously.

He represented Archbishop Lwanga at the recent launch of the tree-planting drive.
 

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Fr. Ssebunnya urged the community to plant more trees. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

The town clerk of Lubaga division James Luyimbaazi represented Mayor Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwaawo.

Before drive kicked off, the leaders first conducted a sensitization session for the members of the community that was held at Pope Paul Community Centre where they were urged to plant more trees in their locality.

Each such tree could be obtained for sh10,000 anyone interested, it was revealed.

Ssebunya said that the archdiocese intends to lead the pontiff through the beautified roads.

“Members of Lubaga community we have to plant trees, flowers, glass to make our roads look beautiful.  Even Pope Francis loves  the environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the officer-in-charge at Lugujja police post, Robert Omara, promised to work together with Kampala Archdiocese and KCCA to see that they protect these trees.

Anyone caught trying to uproot or destroy the plants will be arrested, he warned.



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