The Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, Anita Among, is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican in August. While the specific purpose of Among’s meeting with the Pope remains undisclosed, sources reveal that the speaker requested this private audience in March. The Vatican, through Uganda’s Head of Mission in Berlin, Stephen Mubiru, has confirmed that the meeting will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Among’s travel arrangements have been complicated by recent political developments. Following sanctions imposed by the UK and the US, Italy rejected her visa application. Consequently, Among has opted to travel through Berlin, banking on obtaining a Schengen Visa, which would allow her a short stay in the Vatican.
In preparation for the visit, Among has been asked to provide the Vatican with the address of her residence in Rome and a list of her accompanying delegation. According to protocol, she will be received by Pietro Cardinal Parolin, the Secretary of State to His Holiness.
This upcoming meeting will mark the second time Among will meet Pope Francis within a year, having previously done so in July 2023. This continuity underscores the importance of the relationship she is fostering with the Vatican.
The timing of this meeting is particularly significant for Among, who has faced a series of political and legal challenges in recent months. On May 30, the US government imposed sanctions on her, citing allegations of corruption and human rights violations, which have led to her being banned from traveling to the US. In April, the UK government also sanctioned her, freezing her properties.
Domestically, President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate allegations that Among owns properties in the UK. These allegations and the ensuing investigations have placed the Speaker under intense scrutiny and pressure.
Despite these challenges, Among remains focused on her upcoming meeting with Pope Francis, which could serve as a significant diplomatic and personal milestone. The meeting is expected to attract substantial media attention, given the high-profile nature of both the participants and the ongoing controversies surrounding Among.
The private audience with Pope Francis provides Among with a platform to discuss matters of mutual interest and potentially seek moral and diplomatic support. Given Pope Francis’s global influence and commitment to addressing issues such as poverty, social justice, and human dignity, this meeting could open new avenues for dialogue and cooperation.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Speaker Among as she navigates this challenging period in her political career and prepares for what could be a pivotal moment in her leadership journey.
