UPC wants Ugandans to turn Pope Francis’ values into deeds

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has commended Pope Francis for his efforts in promoting environmental protection and advocating for the needy.

On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the world received news of the passing of Pope Francis.

UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach extended heartfelt condolences to the entire Catholic Church community in Uganda and around the world.

She made the remarks during the party’s weekly press briefing held at Uganda House in Kampala on 23rd April.

Pope Francis was a staunch environmentalist who showed great concern for the sustainable use of natural resources. Climate change, she noted, poses a direct threat to humanity, and with the growing global population, there is an urgent need to adopt sustainable farming practices and energy sources.

“As we speak, both the Amazon and Congo forests—as well as Mabira Forest in Uganda, which plays a significant role in oxygen production and rainfall—are under threat due to man’s unfriendly activities like excessive tree cutting for charcoal, firewood, and timber,” she explained.

She said these practices must stop and called for massive, effective reforestation efforts to restore and protect the environment. Arach also urged the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to lower electricity costs and make it more affordable to all Ugandans as a viable alternative to wood fuel.

“The Pope has lived a full life and left behind a very rich legacy that shall continue to touch our hearts and minds. The Holy Father was a great crusader for social justice who spearheaded the global Catholic movement for peace advocacy,” Arach said.

“We appreciate his words of wisdom, actions and deeds, which always filled our hearts with compassion and gratitude,” she added.

Arach recalled a touching moment during the Pope’s ecumenical pilgrimage of peace in Africa on 3rd February 2023.

“During his visit in Africa... he surprised South Sudan’s leadership and the entire world when he humbled himself and knelt down to pray for peace, as well as kissing the shoes of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar,” she noted.

She described the act as a powerful reminder to South Sudan and the African continent that they are not alone in the struggle for peace.

“As UPC, we continue to pray for the success of all peace initiatives aimed at stabilising both Sudan and South Sudan, as well as other African countries whose peace is at stake,” she said.

Pope Francis demonstrated the power of reconciliation, encouraging dialogue and an end to violence. He championed the rights of refugees, supported those living on the margins of society, and upheld the Church’s mission of giving special attention to the poor.

A funeral mass will be held on April 26 at St Peter’s Basilica, after which the late Pope’s casket will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major.