Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Ambassador to the Holy See from the Republic
of Uganda, Mr. Francis K. Butagira
Discourse to the Ambassador from Uganda, Mr. Francis K. Butagira
Your
Excellency, I am pleased to welcome you to the Vatican as you present the Letters
of Credence by which you are appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Republic of Uganda to the Holy See. I am grateful for the courteous greetings
and good wishes which you have expressed on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni. I willingly reciprocate and I ask you kindly to convey to His Excellency
and to the people of Uganda the assurance of my prayers for their well-being.
Diplomatic
relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Uganda continue to offer many opportunities
for mutual assistance and cooperation for the spiritual good and welfare of the people
of your nation. Likewise the climate of freedom and respect in your nation towards
the Catholic Church has allowed her to be faithful to her proper mission. The fruits
of cooperation between the Church and the State, especially in areas related to development,
education and healthcare, are widely recognized. Indeed, such a solid foundation should
promote personal integrity, justice and fairness in local communities and hope for
the whole nation, both among those who govern and among the general population, and
should be an important factor in stability and growth.
Mr Ambassador,
in your address you mentioned the steady economic growth of the nation. The progress
made to counter the causes of underdevelopment is certainly encouraging. Initiatives
to promote more productive forms of agriculture, the proper use of the country’s resources
and the implementation of concrete policies of regional cooperation are also very
welcome. These and other efforts in various spheres, such as the provision of clean
drinking water for all, the protection of the environment, the promotion of a sound,
universal education and the struggle against corruption in its various forms, are
part of an ambitious programme which will require good governance.
The campaign
of violence in the north of the country has devastated large areas. The tragedy for
the local populations is clear for all to see. Some have had their childhood shattered
and have been forced to commit deplorable crimes; there has been extensive destruction
of property; widows and orphans are living in dire poverty; and many displaced persons
are still unable or afraid to return to their villages and fields. It is understood
that this situation has improved to some extent and I hope that the lack of security
will finally be replaced by a stable peace and prosperity for the sorely tried people
of the area. As the world looks for concrete results from the meeting held recently
in Uganda on the plight of displaced persons, refugees and returnees, I pray that
the Kampala Declaration may lead those in positions of responsibility in your nation
and beyond to give due support and assistance to all who, through no fault of their
own, have been forced to flee their homes.
In this context, I would like
to recall that reconciliation and peace were the principal themes of the recent Special
Synod for Africa held here in the Vatican just a few months ago. The experience of
the Church on your continent has shown that the mere absence of conflict does not
constitute peace. It is only through the establishment of justice, reconciliation
and solidarity that true and lasting peace and stability can be achieved. I assure
Your Excellency that Ugandan Catholics, in living the values of the Gospel, wish to
serve their fellow men and women in the promotion of deep-rooted reconciliation and
peace. The Church will also continue to work for justice for all, accompanied by
the fervent prayer that such a precious gift may become a reality for all citizens,
without regard for ethnicity, region or creed.
Your Excellency, I am sure
that your time as Ambassador will help to strengthen the cordial relations which already
exist between the Holy See and Uganda. The various departments of the Roman Curia
are ready to assist you and, as you begin your high mission, I am pleased to assure
you of my prayers. I invoke Almighty God's abundant blessings upon you, your family,
and upon all the people of Uganda.