Pope Francis sets terms during is visit to Uganda

Kampala. Pope Francis has told the Uganda government the things he wants and does not want during his visit in Uganda in November.

Sources in the Catholic Church and in the Office of the Prime Minister have confirmed to Sunday Monitor that the Vatican outlined the type of reception to be accorded to the Pontiff during his trip to Uganda between November 27 and 29.

The modalities are being discussed by the government and the Pope’s representative in Uganda, the Papal Nuncio.

The sources said among the Vatican terms, is that during his visit in Uganda, the Pope will not use big 4x4 SUV vehicles for his mobility inside the country. The Pope prefers that he be given an “ordinary” car.

The Pope also informed the Uganda government that he will not sit with any other passenger in his car.

Also the Pope does not want to have any meeting with political leaders. He will only lead mass and engage in religious activities.

However, according to sources privy to the Vatican communication, the Pope will have a short meeting with President Museveni and only to discuss religious matters.

The Pope also told the government he will not stay in a hotel, but rather he and his entourage will sleep in a common place.

The Pope and his entourage will also have a common time for their meals.

The Pope also said there would be no state banquet and that he will take care of his own accommodation.

It is not clear whether the Vatican will come with the Popemobile [an informal name for the specially designed motor vehicles used by the Catholic Pope during outdoor public appearances] or Uganda government will arrange one.

Pope Francis discarded the use of expensive Popemobiles used by previous Popes and has preferred to use ordinary ones.

In the Vatican, he uses a small modified Hyundai car. While on a visit to Sri Lanka, he used a modified Land Rover Defender and in Philippines, he used a modified Isuzu D-Max pickup.

Sunday Monitor understands government has budgeted at least Shs60 billion for VIP cars of SUV and saloon type for the Pope’s visit and use for other high profile foreign dignitaries thereafter.

By press time on Saturday, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, also the chairman of the pontiff’s visit organising committee, could not be reached for a comment as he did not pick or return our calls.

His communication adviser, Mr Julius Mucunguzi, said he was not privy to the conditions but indicated the premier is in “regular contact with the Church to ensure preparations are smooth and the visit is a memorable one.”

Nonetheless he referred us to Dr Rugunda himself as the best person to talk to or the Papal Nuncio.

A secretary in Papal Nuncio Rev Michael Blume’s office said he was very busy on other matters and was not in position to speak to the media at the moment. (NMG)