Preparations for Pope's visit start at Lubaga

By Juliet Lukwago                

Kampala Archdiocese has started renovating the Cathedral and other establishments in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit November.

Lastr week begun with demolishon of old buildings.

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 Pope is expected to jet into the country on November 27 for a two-day stay before flying out to Central African Republic.

The third papal visit to Uganda will be historic, since the land of the Martyrs will host him even before his native Argentina.

The only African countries to have been visited by at least two reigning popes are Cameroon, Angola and Benin, all visited by popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Constructors demolishing the old building near Lubaga Cathedral. PHOTO/JULIET LUKWAGO

According to the Chancellor of Archdiocese, Fr Dr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya the Pope Francis will set foot after 46 of Pope Paul VI and 22 of Pope John Paul II leave alone Ugandan’s soil on July 31, 1969 and February 7, 1993.

He said that as the Church also will celebrate 50 years since the late Pope Paul VI canonized and declared the 22 Catholic Martyrs saints at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome on October 18, 1964.

He said that the old-building near Lubaga cathedral where the police post, restaurants, bookshops were located have been demolished to make way for new developments.

“We intend to repair most of the present structures and construct new ones fit for the Pope’s visit,” Fr Ssebunnya said.

He added that “The various constructors will work around the clock to beat deadlines towards the success of the occasion.”

Ssebunnya revealed that after a long and checkered history, the building near the cathedral that housed the archdiocese offices has been demolished.

“For only three months, we will shift offices to the opposite building to allow the constructors to do their work.  We regret any incoveniences,” Ssebuunya said.

He said that the awesomeness of Rubaga Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Church in Uganda is a significant religious site, visited by many tourists.

“Rubaga Cathedral is one of the landmark buildings, which was restored during the time of Pope John Paul II visit in Uganda. The cathedral is one of the remarkable edifices, from where you can have magnificent scenic views of the city.”

Many religious worshippers come here every year to offer their services and spend some time here. After visiting the Cathedral, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place and relax amidst the natural surroundings.

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.

“Many people have visited this place, Catholics and none Catholics alike remember Rubaga Cathedral as a beautiful architectural wonder of the Romanesque era, built by some of the missionaries but the magnificent piers, carved windows strewn with colour rich paintings of catholic saints and the upholstery mosaics make for a great edifice even today.