
Kampala, Uganda – May 14, 2025
Uganda’s Parliament has officially honored the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering him as a global icon of compassion, humility, and justice. The tribute was delivered during a plenary sitting held on Tuesday, May 13, chaired by Speaker Anita Among.
The late Pontiff, who died at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, was celebrated not just as a religious leader, but as a moral voice whose influence reached far beyond the Catholic Church.
Leading the tribute was Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who tabled the motion praising Pope Francis for his selfless leadership and modest lifestyle. “He chose service over privilege and lived by the values of compassion and humility,” she said, recalling a personal meeting with the Pope in 2023 that left a lasting impact on her.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, supported the motion, highlighting Pope Francis as a unifying figure. “He reached out to people across faiths—Muslims, Jews, and even non-believers—promoting dialogue and peace,” Ssenyonyi noted, adding that the Pope reshaped the image of the papacy from one of power to one of servant leadership.
MPs from across the political divide shared reflections on the Pope’s influence. Hon. Catherine Ndamira (NRM, Kabale District Woman MP) lauded his authenticity, saying, “He led by example. He carried his own briefcase and emphasized pastoral care over status.”
A moment that deeply moved the House was Pope Francis’ 2019 act of humility when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s political leaders, urging them to embrace peace. Hon. Michael Lulume Bayiga (DP, Buikwe South) commented, “If a catechist knelt to tie my shoes, I’d be shocked. Yet here was the Pope—one of the most revered figures—demonstrating the power of humility.”
The late Pope’s commitment to protecting the environment also received strong recognition. Lawmakers cited his influential 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’”, in which he called for urgent global action on climate change.
Hon. Christine Nakimwero (NUP, Kiboga District Woman MP) stated, “He gave a voice to the planet, saying the earth was crying. His message sparked climate policies in many countries.”
Speaker Anita Among shared that she had met Pope Francis on eight occasions and noted his admiration for Uganda’s historical connection to the Uganda Martyrs and its refugee-friendly policies.
Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in the Vatican.
The Speaker concluded the session by directing that Parliament’s tribute and its accompanying resolutions be officially shared with the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Rev. Luigi Bianco, who was in attendance