Speaker Among Pays Tribute To Pope Francis In Vatican, Represents President Museveni At Funeral

By Spy Uganda

The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, is in Vatican City representing His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the funeral of Pope Francis.

The solemn ceremony, taking place at St. Peter’s Square, has drawn global leaders and dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and members of the British royal family, among others. The gathering reflects the profound global impact of Pope Francis, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and unity.

Speaker Among, a devout Catholic, has long maintained a close and respectful relationship with the Holy See. Over the years, she has visited the Vatican on eight occasions, including four private audiences with the Holy Father. Her most recent visit, in August last year, was particularly personal and memorable, as she had the rare honor of presenting her newborn twins to Pope Francis for his personal blessing.

Earlier this morning, Speaker Among joined thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, paying her final respects to the late pontiff. In her tribute, she reflected on Pope Francis’s legacy as a champion of the poor, a relentless advocate for peace, and a bridge-builder between communities across faiths and nations.

Accompanying the Speaker were senior Ugandan officials, including the State Minister for Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi; the Deputy Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe; Soroti City East MP, Hon. Edmund Ariko; Iganga Municipality MP, Hon. Peter Mugema; Kibanda North County MP, Hon. Linos Ngompek; and Uganda’s Ambassador to Berlin, Stephen Mubiru.

The Ugandan delegation’s presence at the Vatican underscores Uganda’s deep respect for Pope Francis’s global leadership and highlights the close ties between Uganda and the Catholic Church.

As the world bids farewell to a pontiff whose life embodied humility, service, and unwavering faith, Speaker Among’s participation not only honors Pope Francis’s extraordinary legacy but also reaffirms Uganda’s solidarity with the global Catholic community during this historic moment.