The world awoke to the somber news of Pope Francis’ passing on Monday morning, April 21, 2025, prompting an outpouring of tributes from global leaders, religious figures, and ordinary citizens.
In Uganda, Robert Kyagulanyi, the musician-turned-politician widely known as Bobi Wine, joined the chorus of mourning with a poignant social media post that resonated deeply with his supporters and the nation at large.
“I join the world in mourning the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed away this morning,” Bobi Wine wrote on his verified X account.
“May the reforms he championed continue making the world a better place!”
The post, shared with his 1.2 million followers, quickly garnered thousands of likes, retweets, and comments, reflecting the profound impact of the pontiff’s life and legacy in Uganda and beyond.
A Shared Vision for Justice
For Bobi Wine, the leader of Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP) and a prominent voice in the fight against corruption and oppression, Pope Francis was more than a religious figure—he was a global symbol of compassion, humility, and reform.
The Pope’s death, announced by the Vatican early Monday, marked the end of a papacy defined by bold initiatives to modernize the Catholic Church, advocate for the marginalized, and address pressing global issues like climate change, poverty, and migration.
Bobi Wine’s tribute struck a personal chord, as many of Pope Francis’ teachings mirrored the activist’s own mission.
In his post, he specifically highlighted the Pope’s reforms, which included efforts to make the Church more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to contemporary challenges.
Francis’ calls for interfaith dialogue, his outspoken criticism of economic inequality, and his emphasis on environmental stewardship had earned him admiration far beyond Catholic circles, including in Uganda’s diverse and politically charged landscape.
“Pope Francis spoke for the voiceless, just like Bobi does,” said Sarah Nakimuli, a 28-year-old supporter who joined a candlelight vigil in Kampala’s Nsambya neighborhood.
“His words today remind us that the fight for justice doesn’t stop, even when a great leader like the Pope is gone.”
Uganda Remembers Pope Francis’ Visit
Pope Francis’ passing evoked vivid memories of his historic visit to Uganda in November 2015, one of the highlights of his African tour.
During his two-day stay, the pontiff celebrated Mass at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, visited a children’s hospital, and met with youth and religious leaders.
His message of unity, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on Ugandans, many of whom saw parallels with Bobi Wine’s own grassroots movement.
At the time, Bobi Wine was still primarily known as a reggae and dancehall artist, using his music to critique social injustices.
However, his transition to politics in 2017 and his rise as a leading opposition figure have drawn comparisons to Francis’ own role as a disruptor within traditional institutions.
Both men, in their respective arenas, have championed the cause of the marginalized and challenged entrenched power structures.
“Pope Francis showed us that leadership is about serving the people, not ruling over them,” Bobi Wine told supporters at a small gathering in Kampala’s Kamwokya slum, where he addressed the pontiff’s passing later in the day.
“His reforms weren’t just for the Church—they were for humanity. We must keep that spirit alive.”
A Nation in Mourning
Across Uganda, churches and community centers organized prayer services and vigils to honor Pope Francis.
In Kampala’s St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, hundreds gathered for a special Mass, where Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere described the late Pope as “a shepherd who walked with the poor and spoke truth to power.”
Similar sentiments were echoed in Gulu, Mbarara, and other cities, where Catholics and non-Catholics alike reflected on Francis’ legacy.
Bobi Wine’s post, however, brought a unique perspective, bridging the spiritual and the political.
His reference to the Pope’s reforms was widely interpreted as a call to action, not only for global leaders but also for Ugandans navigating a tense political climate.
With the country gearing up for the 2026 general elections, Bobi Wine’s “People Power” movement continues to face government crackdowns, arrests, and accusations of inciting unrest.
For many of his supporters, the Pope’s message of hope and perseverance feels especially relevant.
“When Bobi talks about continuing the Pope’s reforms, he’s talking about fighting for fairness, for equality, for a Uganda where everyone has a voice,” said Joseph Muwonge, a 35-year-old teacher and NUP organizer.
“It’s a reminder that we’re part of a bigger struggle.”
Global Context and Local Impact
Pope Francis’ death comes at a time of uncertainty for the Catholic Church, which boasts over 1.3 billion followers worldwide, including roughly 44% of Uganda’s population.
His papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by efforts to address the Church’s historical scandals, including clergy abuse, while promoting a more inclusive and decentralized institution.
His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ (on environmental care) and Fratelli Tutti (on social fraternity), inspired activists like Bobi Wine, who have cited the Pope’s writings in their advocacy for systemic change.
In Uganda, where religion and politics often intersect, Bobi Wine’s tribute also sparked discussions about the Church’s role in public life.
Some analysts noted that his post subtly urged Uganda’s Catholic leaders to take a bolder stance on issues like human rights and governance, echoing Francis’ own willingness to confront powerful interests.
“Bobi Wine is using this moment to remind us that the Pope’s legacy isn’t just about prayers—it’s about action,” said Dr. Esther Nambalirwa, a political scientist at Makerere University.
“By invoking Francis’ reforms, he’s challenging both the Church and the state to live up to those ideals.”
A Call to Carry On
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope, Bobi Wine’s words have added a distinctly Ugandan voice to the global conversation about Pope Francis’ legacy.
His post, though brief, encapsulated the shared grief of millions while issuing a rallying cry to continue the work of justice and compassion.
In Kampala, the mood remains one of reflection and resolve. Candlelit vigils continue to light up the city, and social media is abuzz with tributes, many echoing Bobi Wine’s sentiment that the Pope’s vision must endure.
For a nation grappling with its own challenges, the loss of Pope Francis is both a moment of sorrow and a call to action—a reminder that the fight for a better world, as Bobi Wine put it, is far from over.
“We’ve lost a great man, but his ideas live on,” Bobi Wine said as he concluded his remarks in Kamwokya.
“Let’s honor him by making our country, and our world, a place where love and justice prevail.”
As Uganda mourns alongside the world, Bobi Wine’s tribute stands as a testament to the enduring power of Pope Francis’ message—and a challenge to carry it forward in the face of adversity.