Vatican City, Rome
Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, on Wednesday met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, in what marks a notable diplomatic and religious engagement.
The meeting took place shortly after the Pope’s weekly General Audience, during which he reminded the faithful that “we are God’s beloved children, embraced by His forgiving love.” The Pope emphasized that sincere conversion allows believers to journey toward salvation, even amid human weakness.
Wednesday’s audience was Pope Leo XIV’s final public engagement at the Vatican before he departed later for a brief stay at Castel Gandolfo.
Following the audience, Speaker Among held a private chat with the Pope and also met with the Secretary of State to discuss matters of mutual interest between Uganda and the Holy See, including education, health, and social development.
A Controversial Figure on the Global Stage
Speaker Among has had a tumultuous public profile. Before rising to Uganda’s parliamentary leadership, she faced criticism both locally and internationally. Among was banned from entering the United States and the United Kingdom in the past due to alleged governance and ethical concerns, a shadow that has followed her political career. Her meetings at the Vatican come against this backdrop, showing the complexities of her role as a global-facing political leader while navigating past controversies.
Despite these challenges, Among has maintained a significant influence within Uganda’s political landscape, currently serving as Speaker of Parliament since 2022 and presiding over national debates on governance and development.
Uganda and the Vatican: Maintaining Ties
Uganda has a long-standing relationship with the Holy See, dating back to the 1960s. The Catholic Church continues to be a major provider of education and healthcare in the country, making engagement with the Vatican strategically significant, regardless of the personal controversies surrounding individual political figures.
As Among returns from the Vatican, analysts say her visit could help reinforce Uganda’s engagement with international faith leaders, even as questions about her past actions remain in the public eye.
