religion 5 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kasese Residents Relive Pope John Paul II's Historic 1993 Visit
More than three decades after Pope John Paul II's visit to Kasese Catholic Diocese, the memories of that momentous occasion remain deeply ingrained in the hearts of many in the Rwenzori region. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kasese-still-cherishes-visit-of-pope-john-paul-ii-in-1993-5486048
Kasese residents still hold vivid recollections of Pope John Paul II’s pilgrimage in 1993, a visit that occurred merely four years after the Kasese Catholic Diocese was established in 1989, having been separated from the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese.
For numerous faithful, hosting the pontiff on February 8, 1993, was considered a divine blessing and a pivotal moment in the diocese’s history. Father Expedito Kisembo Masereka, who served as the Vicar General and chaired the organizing committee, recalls the mix of nervousness, excitement, and joy that swept through the diocese upon hearing the news.
Preparations for the visit were extensive. Committees comprising church leaders, government officials, and volunteers from across western Uganda were formed. Father Masereka highlighted the collaborative spirit, noting assistance from dioceses like Fort Portal, Mbarara, and Kabale, and the participation of choirs from various regions, which fostered unity within the Church.
The visit prompted significant infrastructure improvements, including the upgrading of roads leading to the event venue. Despite the prevailing ADF insurgency in the Rwenzori region at the time, security was tightly managed, with helicopters monitoring the skies as thousands of believers trekked from the surrounding mountains to attend the Mass.
Father Masereka fondly remembers a personal interaction with the Pope at the Kasese Airstrip, where a lighthearted exchange about the youth of both the vicar general and the diocese resulted in shared laughter.
During the Mass, attended by thousands, Pope John Paul II greeted the congregation in Lukonzo, saying “Obuholho bubye nenyu,” meaning “peace be with you.” This gesture resonated deeply with the local Bakonzo community, earning thunderous applause and leaving a lasting impression.
The Pope’s preference for simplicity was evident, with his request for only a soda and biscuits for refreshment. The visit’s impact transcended the religious sphere, strengthening inter-religious cooperation, improving church-government relations, and helping to de-escalate tensions in the Rwenzori region.
In commemoration, the diocese erected a statue of the Pope and built an adoration chapel at the site of the papal altar. As Kasese Diocese prepares to host the 2027 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, the memory of Pope John Paul II’s visit continues to inspire faith, unity, and resilience.