The passing of Pope Francis has affected the Kampala Business Community deeply, with vendors from the busy St. Balikuddembe (Owino) Market coming together to mourn.
This market, home to over 50,000 traders, has turned into a place for heartfelt tributes to the late pope, showing how much he influenced social justice and humanitarian efforts.
Located near the historical site dedicated to St. Joseph Balikuddembe and St. Anthanasius Bazekuketta, two of the 22 Ugandan martyrs executed in 1885/86, the market community is filled with respect and compassion during this sad time.
Morris Lubega, a catechist at the martyrs’ site and a member of the St. Balikuddembe Mengo-Kisenyi Parish, along with Josephine Nakiwala, a lay Catholic, have shared their admiration for Pope Francis’s strong calls for peace, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
They also noted his recognition of the elderly, shown by the special day he established in July to honor them – a gesture that resonates deeply with a demographic often overlooked by younger generations.
The heartfelt tributes from market-goers and others express a significant respect for Pope Francis’s moral leadership and acknowledge his lasting impact, which touched billions of lives around the world.
As the Kampala community comes together to remember him, the response from around the globe reflects the important role he played in promoting kindness and understanding among different cultures and faiths.
Expressions of grief and admiration pouring in from the market and beyond highlight the shared sorrow felt not just locally but globally, reminding everyone of the valuable lessons of compassion he shared throughout his life.
This moment of unity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for one another, as the world collectively mourns the loss of a leader who advocated for the voiceless and sought to bring people together across nations and beliefs.
By Alex Magala
22nd April 2025
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