Celebrations as Francis touches down in Uganda

Pope Francis (left) is welcomed by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni at the presidential palace in Kampala, Uganda, November 27, 2015. Pope Francis arrived in Uganda on the second leg of a landmark trip to Africa, with huge crowds, choirs and dancers celebrating as the plane touched down. STEFANO RELLANDINI | REUTERS

What you need to know:

  • Security has been ratcheted up for the visit over fears Islamist rebels from Al-Qaeda’s East Africa branch, Al-Shabaab, could use the opportunity to stage attacks.
  • On the eve of his arrival, Ugandan Members of Parliament passed a controversial bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to regulate civil society, which rights groups say will strangle criticism of the government.

ENTEBBE

Pope Francis arrived in Uganda on the second leg of a landmark trip to Africa, with huge crowds, choirs and dancers celebrating as the plane touched down.

Francis arrived in Uganda after three days in neighbouring Kenya, where vast crowds turned out to an open air mass, and where the pontiff lashed out at corruption and wealthy minorities who hoard resources at the expense of the poor.

Veteran Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni, said he was honoured to host Pope Francis, adding that the Pontiff’s compassion for the poor and his frankness of spirit was an encouragement for all.

Large crowds gathered in Entebbe — about 30 kilometres south of the capital Kampala — where Francis met Museveni at the presidential palace later.

Crowds gathered along the roads while street lights were draped with black, yellow and red banners, the colours of Uganda’s national flag.

“This is my third pope but it can’t be boring. We are blessed!” said 55-year-old Agnes Mubuya, sitting on a plastic chair on the pavement outside the printer where she works in Entebbe.

Wearing a yellow dress — her Sunday best — she had a laminated badge reading “Welcome Pope Francis to Uganda” pinned to the chest.

“I’d like him to talk about corruption, which is too much in Uganda. And we hope he can bring political change. He must talk to Museveni: If a pope can stand down why not a president?” she asked.

Police and soldiers, armed with assault rifles or batons, lined the road and military pick-up trucks raced up and down Kampala streets.

“This is my third pope,” said 60-year old Henry Mutambo, a Protestant, dressed in slacks and a loose, untucked shirt, who stood waiting on the grass verge close to the presidential palace.

“This latest pope, Francis, cares for all the people, the whole universe, regardless of political or religious affiliation.”

CONTROLLING NGOs
Security has been ratcheted up for the visit over fears Islamist rebels from Al-Qaeda’s East Africa branch, Al-Shabaab, could use the opportunity to stage attacks.

But chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Katumba Wamala said adequate measures were in place and expressed confidence “all will go as planned”.

Francis has shrugged off safety fears, joking that he was “more worried about mosquitoes”.

He travels to the Central African Republic on Sunday.

On the eve of his arrival, Ugandan Members of Parliament passed a controversial bill that would give authorities sweeping powers to regulate civil society, which rights groups say will strangle criticism of the government.

The legislation would grant Uganda’s internal affairs ministry the power to supervise, approve, inspect and dissolve an organisation in a move which could even see rights activists jailed for documenting abuses.

Human Rights Watch has said the implications were terrifying.

Museveni, who is widely expected to be reelected next year for his third decade in power, has said he is “honoured to host the Pope,” adding that the pontiff’s “compassion for the poor and his frankness of spirit is an encouragement for all.”