Church of Uganda mourns Pope Francis

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The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has extended condolences to the Catholic Church and the wider Christian fraternity following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

"We want to extend our condolences to all Ugandan Roman Catholics who are grieving the death of Pope Francis. As we prepare for the celebration of the Ugandan Martyrs, we especially remember the Pope's visit to Uganda in 2015 and his appreciation for the Uganda Martyrs Museum at the Anglican site in Namugongo," Kaziimba said.

The Church of Uganda leader made the remarks while addressing the media at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

His comments followed a briefing from the Uganda Martyrs 2025 organising committee, led by Bishop Godfrey Loum of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

This year, the six dioceses in the Northern Uganda Cluster will animate the Martyrs Day celebrations at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo on June 3, 2025.

"During Pope Francis’ visit to the Uganda Martyrs Museum, he unveiled a dedication stone and offered a prayer that the Uganda Martyrs would continue to inspire generations of youth to follow Christ," Kaziimba said.

Kaziimba added: "His dedication to the youth, his pro-life commitments, and his advocacy for the poor and oppressed will be sorely missed in a world that needs them.

He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith. Now he, who longed for our Lord’s appearing, receives the crown of righteousness."