ANNABA, ALGERIA – Uganda’s Ambassador to Algeria, H.E. Alintuma John Chrysostom Nsambu, was among the faithful who attended the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in the city of Annaba, Algeria.
The Ambassador, together with members of the Ugandan community both resident in Algeria and visiting from Uganda, welcomed the Pope with great joy. They turned up in traditional attire, including the kanzu and gomesi, proudly showcasing Buganda’s cultural heritage.
Several Ugandans who took part in the Papal Mass included the Ambassador’s aide, Mutiibwa Deus, and the Ambassador’s sister, Nansikombi Josephine. They were privileged to present gifts to Pope Leo XIV during the Mass held at the St. Augustin Basilica in Annaba, and also had an opportunity to meet him.
The Pope was delighted by the way Ugandans dressed in kanzu and gomesi, expressing admiration for their traditional wear. He specifically praised the Buganda cultural attire and showed a keen interest in it.
Ambassador Alintuma Nsambu successfully coordinated the participation of visiting delegates from Uganda, including the Secretary to the Bishop of Masaka, Father Alex Kiyimba, Luvule Parish Priest Father Kamoga Joseph, Narozali Parish Priest Father Tamale Mary Vianney, and the Ambassador’s own father. They all joined the congregation in singing and actively participating in the Papal Mass.
Furthermore, Ambassador Alintuma mobilized over 300 Ugandan students on scholarships to attend the Mass, making Uganda’s presence strongly felt at the event. The Pope was so impressed that he expressed a desire to visit Uganda, a commitment the Ambassador pledged to follow up through his diplomatic mission in Algeria.
