'The Pope is coming'
Publish Date: Jan 21, 2014
Pope Francis was invited to attend the golden jubilee of the canonisation of the Ugandan martyrs. PHOTO/AFP
Pope Francis will in October this year, attend the celebrations to mark 50 years since the canonisation of the Uganda Martyrs, the Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi has said.
Mbabazi was speaking during the consecration of Bishop George Bagamuhunda, as the 5th Bishop of the Anglican Kigezi Diocese at St. Peters Rugarama on Sunday.
Mbabazi said the Government and the Catholic Church had invited the Pope to attend the golden jubilee of the canonisation of the Ugandan martyrs and the Pope had accepted the invitation. But the Vatican is yet to confirm officially.
Mbabazi said he had already met Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga over the papal visit. Mbabazi then asked the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali, to meet him over the golden jubilee celebrations.
Mbabazi represented President Yoweri Museveni during the consecration ceremony.
Archbishop Ntagali presided over the colourful ceremony witnessed by clerics from Uganda, Rwanda and the US.
A section of Christians had gone to court to block the consecration alleging violation of the Church of Uganda Constitution by the Synod and the House of Bishops. Court dismissed the case.
President Museveni donated a vehicle to the new bishop, while the Prime Minister gave him a cow.
Museveni commended the outgoing Bishop, George Katwesigye, for ably steering the diocese in the direction of unity and development.
Bishop Bagamuhunda promised to establish discipleship at all levels.
He also promised to continue with the programme of providing clean water, sanitation, education, health and food security through modern agricultural methods.
