Ugandan gays hope the pope will speak out on their behalf

Africa remains fertile territory for the Catholic Church but the rise of Islamism and competition from evangelical churches have left it facing tough challenges as Pope Francis prepares for his first visit to the continent.

The Islamic Militant Group, Al-Shabab, has caused Kenyan Christians much suffering because they’ve attacked Christian churches and colleges.

In Uganda, more than 2 million people are expected to converge near a minor basilica in the Ugandan capital city Kampala where the pope will celebrate Mass on Saturday. “If the pope can demonstrate understanding of people who are different, that would a good example for the people of Uganda to follow”, he says.

“We appeal in the name of God to all parties involved in the conflicts in these areas to lay down their arms and embrace the path of dialogue and peace for the sake of posterity”, the committee said.

Apart from the battles plaguing the continent, Francis is also expected to touch on subjects close to his heart that are also of enormous concern to Africa: the environment as well as poverty, plus the necessity for conversation between Christians and Muslims.

Against a post-Paris backdrop of security concerns, Pope Francis this morning sets out on a five-day visit to Africa, travelling to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

Indeed, the church in Africa is proving in many instances to be an alternate community of hope and a counter narrative of being and inclusion in many circumstances and instances where the fabric of society is weak, unworkable and frayed.

In the message, Pope Francis told the people living in the war-torn country that he wanted his visit to bring them “consolation and hope”, according to Vatican Radio. He said the upcoming papal visit has led to “a lot of joy” among the residents of the slum who feel that as a result of this gesture “their human dignity is affirmed” and that they “are not forgotten”.

FILE – A woman stands in front of posters of Pope Francis on November 8, 2015, at the Martyrs of Uganda church in Bamako, Mali.

A technicality meant the law, which included the punishment of some gay sex crimes by death, was thrown out.

Unlike his diplomatic work on Cuba, in which he encouraged the U.S.to normalize relations with an historic enemy, Pope Francis has a limited political role to play between the CAR’s warring militias.

Homosexuality is illegal in most of Africa with South Africa being the only African country that where gay or lesbian marriage is legal.

There has been no word on whether the pope will speak about gays during his visit. But the situation on the ground will be monitored up to the last minute.

Although many Kenyan Christians are very conservative, the country has been quite tolerant and now hosts some 500 gay refugees from neighbouring Uganda.