In a situation update, the Ministry of Health said nine cases of the viral disease had been confirmed in the previous week—five at Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro district and four at Matanda transit centre in Kanungu district.
All three settlements are located in western Uganda.
“Active case searches are ongoing at the community and facility level. VHTs [village health teams] are continuing with door-to-door sensitizations and active case searches,” the ministry said, noting “ongoing screening at the points of entry at the facilities by the triage teams for fever, rashes, dry cough and runny nose.”
Health authorities have launched a measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting newly arrived refugee children aged 6 months to 15 years, the update said.
At least 105 children were vaccinated against measles and rubella at the Matanda transit center on Sunday, it said.
In March, at least two children died from measles and 68 others were diagnosed with the viral disease in a refugee settlement hosting South Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s mid-western district of Kiryandongo.
Measles is a highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing and can lead to severe complications. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of measles appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.
From midday on the day of his death, church bells tolled in parishes across the country to mark the beginning of the mourning rites. This tradition, deeply rooted in Catholic liturgy, serves as a public call for prayer and remembrance. It also symbolises the Church entering a time of reflection and spiritual solidarity.
The Archdiocese of Kigali, under the leadership of Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, issued a directive for all parishes to ring their bells and begin special prayers for the late pontiff a few hours after the announcement of his death.
In a communique, Cardinal Kambanda urged Christians, particularly members of religious congregations, to dedicate prayers for Pope Francis and for the universal Church during this critical period.
“May all Christians and people of goodwill find strength during this period of mourning. Let us all look to the risen Christ,
According to canon law and Catholic tradition, the Pope must be buried within nine days of his passing. The mourning period, commonly referred to as novemdiales, involves a series of liturgical observances, including Masses and special intentions for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed the date of Pope Francis’s funeral, but preparations for the conclave—the highly secretive process of electing a new pope—are expected to begin soon.
Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote and must gather within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death to begin the election process. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected.
Until a new pope is chosen, prayers for the Church and its leadership will continue. Rwandan Catholics have been encouraged to use this time not only to mourn but to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, who championed humility, dialogue, and inclusion throughout his papacy.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected in 2013 and became the first pope from the Americas. During his tenure, he initiated widespread reforms in the Vatican, prioritised the needs of the poor, and challenged the global Church to engage more openly with modern issues.
Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea are both being closely watched. Turkson, 76, has long been an influential voice on social justice, climate change, and human rights. Though he has maintained the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and priesthood, he has shown a willingness to critique harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa, arguing for more compassionate responses.
His moderate stances, combined with decades of experience in Vatican diplomacy, position him as a potential bridge between the global south and Rome.
Robert Sarah, 79, represents the more conservative wing of the Church. A vocal critic of modern gender discourse and a staunch traditionalist, Sarah has previously aligned with former Pope Benedict XVI on issues such as clerical celibacy. His election would signal a sharp turn away from Francis’s progressive reforms.
If chosen, either cardinal would become the first Black pope in centuries—a historic shift at a time when the Church’s fastest-growing populations are in Africa and Asia.
Historically, three African popes served in the early centuries of the Church: Pope Victor I (c. 189–199), Pope Miltiades (311–314), and Pope Gelasius I (492–496). All were of North African origin and played significant roles in shaping early Christianity. Since then, no African has held the papacy, making the current moment particularly significant as the Church grapples with questions of representation and global relevance.
Other frontrunners include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, considered a “continuity candidate” who played a key role in the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement with China and the Middle East. He is viewed as a pragmatic moderate, although his critics argue he compromises too much on doctrine for the sake of diplomacy.
From Asia, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, once seen as a natural heir to Francis, now appears to have lost momentum. Still, his advocacy for the poor and pastoral openness on LGBTQ+ and divorced Catholics make him a figure to watch.
Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő, 72, stands out as a leading conservative voice and could represent a break with Francis’s direction. Known for his intellect and defence of doctrine, Erdő has also drawn criticism for aligning with Hungary’s nationalist leadership on migration issues.
On the progressive side, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, of Italy, is closely associated with Francis’s legacy. Known for his peace-building efforts in Ukraine and relatively liberal views on same-sex relationships, Zuppi could carry the torch for a more inclusive Church.
Portugal’s José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, at 59, is among the youngest candidates. Though close to Francis, his age and progressive views—particularly his openness to modern cultural issues—may prove too controversial for traditionalists.
Other names in contention include Malta’s Mario Grech and Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, known for his advocacy for Christians in the Holy Land and his personal sacrifice during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The election will follow centuries-old Vatican traditions. The College of Cardinals, composed of those under 80 years old, will cast secret ballots inside the Sistine Chapel. For a candidate to win, he must secure a two-thirds majority.
If no consensus is reached in a round, the ballots are burned and black smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney—signalling to the world that the conclave continues. White smoke, however, will announce the moment the Church has chosen its new leader.
“We are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity,” President Kagame said in a message shared on his official X account.
“His leadership was marked by an honest recognition of the Church’s history in Rwanda, leading to a new era of fruitful relations between the Catholic Church and our nation, one rooted in truth, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Rwandans.”
“On behalf of the people of Rwanda and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and Catholics across the world,” he added.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy in Rwanda that includes a significant shift in the relationship between the Vatican and the Rwandan government, a relationship that had been clouded for decades by the Catholic Church’s controversial role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
From 1994 until 2017, relations between the Catholic Church and Rwanda remained tense. Clergy members were accused of inciting division, and some were directly complicit in the genocide, turning against the very communities they were meant to guide and protect.
A turning point came on May 20, 2017, when President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame traveled to the Vatican. During their visit, Pope Francis received them in a historic meeting that broke the long-standing silence between the two sides.
Pope Francis also made history by elevating Antoine Cardinal Kambanda to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Rwandan to ever hold the title and the right to vote in the election of a pope.
The Catholic Church continues to play a major role in Rwanda beyond its spiritual mission. It manages more than 2,700 schools, runs a wide network of health centers, and is active in sectors including finance, hospitality, and social development.
At the time of his passing, discussions were ongoing about a potential visit to Rwanda, a trip that would have made Pope Francis only the second pontiff to visit the country.
From 1994 to 2017, a dark cloud hung over the relationship between the Church and Rwanda. Clergy were accused of inciting hatred that led to the genocide, and some even actively participated, killing people they were entrusted to guide with the Gospel.
Churches, once seen as sanctuaries for the weary, became killing grounds. Many who sought refuge within them in 1994 were slaughtered, often in the presence of priests and nuns who did nothing to stop the bloodshed.
During the 2016 National dialogue council (Umushyikirano), President Paul Kagame openly questioned why the Catholic Church had apologized for its failings in other countries, such as the U.S., Ireland, and Australia, but failed to do the same in Rwanda.
“If apologies have been issued in America, Ireland, and Australia by the Pope himself, leader of the Catholic Church, why is it that doing the same in Rwanda is perceived as admitting the Church used people to commit genocide? Why shouldn’t he do it as he did elsewhere, even for lesser crimes?”
This statement followed a controversial apology made by Rwanda’s Catholic bishops on behalf of individual Catholics who had taken part in the genocide. Many criticized it for not coming from the Church as an institution.
{{A turning point in 2017}}
On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The encounter marked a diplomatic breakthrough.
During their meeting, Pope Francis requested for “God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including clergy, who were overcome by hatred and violence, and abandoned their evangelical mission” in what had happened in Rwanda.
He expressed “deep personal sorrow, sorrow from the Holy See, and from the entire Church,” and emphasized his “solidarity with those who were devastated and those still affected by the tragedy.”
“He humbly acknowledged the Church’s moral failings during that time, failings that stained its image,” it was noted. This long-awaited apology came at a critical time. Tensions were high, and some Church members said there were those in Rwanda who wanted to bring the Church to its knees.
{{Was the Church forced to its knees?}}
Bishop Emeritus Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Kabgayi Diocese told IGIHE that there were individuals in Rwanda who wanted to forcibly subdue the Church into apologizing.
“I thank God that this issue was resolved by Pope Francis and President Kagame. There was a lot of misunderstanding and bad faith. Some wanted to humiliate the Church instead of fostering reconciliation.
You can’t demand, ‘Kneel and apologize so I can show you the truth.’ That’s not how healing works,” he said.
He explained that while apologies had been made multiple times, some remained unsatisfied, “because they wanted submission, not reconciliation.”
According to him, Pope Francis’s decision to apologize stemmed from his shared understanding with President Kagame on certain key points.
“First, the Pope emphasized, and President Kagame acknowledged, that the Church is 100% against genocide. Pope John Paul II had already said it on May 11, 1994. ‘What is happening in Rwanda is genocide, and some Christians are involved. They will be held accountable by history.’”
President Kagame welcomed the apology and praised Pope Francis’s courage. “For the Pope to take responsibility shows bravery.” During their meeting, Pope Francis and President Kagame exchanged symbolic gifts. The President gave the Pope a staff adorned with pearls, and the Pope gave him a hand-drawn image.
“It was a meaningful gift. It depicted a journey from darkness and desert to flourishing fields, a metaphor for the path our country is on,” Kagame said.
{{The legacy of Pope Francis}}
Those who met Pope Francis described him as humble, wise, and in touch with the times. His reforms included increasing women’s participation in Church leadership.
Bishop Philippe Rukamba once said, “He was a simple man, uninterested in extravagance […] He even questioned the necessity of papal residences. He wanted a Church that walks with the people, hears their struggles, and draws near to them. He was approachable, you’d tell him you’re from Rwanda, and he’d ask, ‘How are things back home?’ Living and working with him was easy.”
Pope Francis died having elevated Rwanda’s first-ever Cardinal, Antoine Kambanda, who now holds the right to vote in the papal conclave. It was a historic moment for the Rwandan Church.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in Rwanda, not only spiritually but also socially and economically, with over 2,700 schools, numerous health centers, and investments in sectors like finance and hospitality.
At the time of his death, there was growing hope that he would visit Rwanda, potentially becoming the second pope ever to visit the “land of a thousand hills.”
He passed away shortly after a new cause was launched to canonize Rwandan Christians who sacrificed their lives to save others during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 68 countries in 47 trips. One long-awaited visit that never materialized was to his home country, Argentina.
He died peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. The last leader he met was U.S. Vice President JD Vince.
Astatement from the President Office described the nexus of this meeting. “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo who is serving as the appointed AU mediator in the conflict in Eastern DRC. They discussed the progress of the regional processes towards achieving durable peace in the region,” the statement read
According to the Office of the President of Togo, the visit began on April 21, 2025. “The Head of State will engage in discussions with his Rwandan counterpart concerning the well-known causes of the war in Eastern DRC, its consequences, and the role various regional leaders are playing to resolve the crisis,” The statement reads.
The statement also emphasized that Togo prioritizes constructive dialogue and reconciliation as a path to achieving a sustainable solution to the conflict affecting the Great Lakes Region.
It further noted that President Gnassingbé reaffirmed his commitment to working with other partners in pursuit of lasting peace between Rwanda and the DRC. “This will also help strengthen cooperation and improve bilateral relations between the two countries,” it stated.
On March 24, 2025, the Office of the President of Angola announced that President João Lourenço would no longer serve as the mediator in the Rwanda-DRC conflict. Instead, he would focus on broader continental priorities rather than regional affairs.
President Lourenço subsequently presented the candidacy of Faure Gnassingbé to the leadership of the African Union (AU) as his preferred successor for the role of mediator. The AU reviewed the proposal.
In early April 2025, the AU expressed its support for President Lourenço’s recommendation that President Gnassingbé take over as mediator in the dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC.
On April 12, 2025, the AU General Assembly officially confirmed President Gnassingbé as the new, permanent mediator tasked with helping Rwanda and the DRC resolve their ongoing tensions.
President Gnassingbé has made several visits to Rwanda in recent years to discuss a range of topics, including security and Pan-African cooperation.
Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have deteriorated in recent years, largely due to the conflict in Eastern DRC. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23/AFC coalition, an allegation Rwanda vehemently denies.
In turn, Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting and collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and who continue to pose a threat to Rwandan security.
President Gnassingbé’s current visit follows another official trip he made to Kigali in January 2025, during which both nations agreed to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation.
Following his death, as with any other head of state, preparations begin for both his funeral and the process to find the Pope’s successor. Pope Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years and was the 266th pontiff in the history of the Church.
When a pope dies in office, the official confirmation of his death is made by the Camerlengo, a cardinal responsible for overseeing the affairs of the papal household, who then notifies the other cardinals before the news is shared with the public.
However, before this announcement, the pope’s death must first be confirmed by doctors. Once the pope’s death is publicly declared, a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale begins.
During this time, the body of the pope is brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, clothed in papal vestments and blessed. Catholics from around the world then come to pay their final respects.
The funeral typically takes place between four to six days after the start of mourning and is organized under the supervision of the College of Cardinals. Popes are usually buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, which also serves as the papal residence.
However, Pope Francis may not be buried there. In a 2023 interview with Mexico’s Noticieros Televisa, he expressed his wish to be laid to rest in his favorite basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore, also located in Rome.
He also requested a simple casket made of wood and zinc, whereas previous popes were buried in caskets made of two types of wood plus zinc.
During this mourning period, leadership of the Church is held temporarily by the College of Cardinals in a period known as Sede Vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.”
Between two to three weeks after the funeral, the cardinals convene in a secretive meeting called the Conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel within St. Peter’s Basilica, to elect the next pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, and currently, there are 138 cardinals eligible to vote out of a total of 240 cardinals worldwide.
When appointing new cardinals, the pope always ensures that the number of eligible electors remains around 120.
The conclave does not conclude in a single sitting. The cardinals gather each day and vote up to four times, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
If after 33 rounds no candidate has reached the required threshold, the process shifts, the two candidates with the highest votes are retained, and a final vote is held between them. The one with the majority becomes the new pope.
During this entire process, St. Peter’s Square is filled with thousands of Catholic faithful awaiting news of their new spiritual leader.
Each time a round of voting ends without a result, the ballots are burned with black chemicals to produce black smoke, a sign to the public that no pope has been elected. This cycle continues until white smoke finally rises from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope.
At that point, the Dean of the College of Cardinals steps out onto the balcony and declares the traditional Latin phrase, Habemus Papam, meaning “We have a pope”, before announcing the new pontiff’s given name and the papal name he has chosen.
The newly elected pope then appears in white vestments, delivers his first public message, and officially begins his leadership of the Catholic Church.
The commemoration, which included a remembrance walk, took place with the presence of local police for security, but notably lacked the participation of any city officials.
This absence mirrored a similar situation that had occurred earlier in the city of Liège, where Rwandans and their friends were also denied support from local authorities.
Unlike the outright denial faced by the community in Liège, the Bruges memorial was allowed to proceed, albeit with restrictions. Participants were not permitted access to the city’s administrative spaces for their commemorative discussions, and no representatives from the municipal government joined the activities.
The event was organized by the local branch of the survivors’ association, led by Yvette Umutangana. She emphasized the importance of preserving Rwanda’s history and recognized the ongoing efforts required to counter denial and trivialization of the Genocide.
Umutangana also expressed disappointment at the refusal of the city’s mayor to attend, despite having previously committed to participate in the walk.
Throughout the remembrance, she highlighted the resilience of Genocide survivors and the emotional burden they continue to carry. She stressed that remembering the victims is not just a matter of honoring the past but also a responsibility for the present, reinforcing that survivors must continue to speak out and advocate for truth.
Despite the restrictions and symbolic absence from the authorities, the Rwandan community in Bruges remained committed to their cause. The walk itself became a testament to their presence and unity.
While daily life continued for many local residents, the Rwandan participants were reminded of the indifference that was also present during the 1994 Genocide. The sense of exclusion they felt from being denied access to city buildings echoed historical patterns of marginalization.
Other speakers at the event, including Eugène Twagira Mutabazi the President of IBUKA Belgique, reiterated the need to draw strength from these experiences rather than be discouraged.
He pointed out that the lack of recognition or participation from Belgian authorities should serve as motivation to persist in the fight against Genocide denial.
The commemoration also included testimonies, including that of Claudine Mukakinani, and a dedicated session led by children who expressed a strong sense of responsibility to carry forward the legacy of their families, even when they had never personally known some of the victims.
Deo Mazina, the Director of the International Research and Genocide Network (RESIRG), reflected on the historical roots of the Genocide, tracing the violence back to 1959 and pointing out the brutal methods used to target Tutsi individuals.
He emphasized that remembering these events is crucial to preventing similar atrocities in the future.
The signing of the MoU took place during the first official visit to Pakistan by the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The agreement was announced on Monday, April 21, during a joint press conference in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Both sides hailed the visit as a significant milestone in the steadily growing relationship between the two nations.
“This is a historic occasion — the first ever visit by a Rwandan Foreign Minister to Pakistan,” said Dar.
“We held in-depth discussions today, focusing on strengthening our existing ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The signing of the MoU in diplomatic training is just the beginning.”
The visit comes on the heels of increased high-level exchanges between the two countries. Pakistan established its High Commission in Kigali in 2021, while Rwanda inaugurated its diplomatic mission in Islamabad in 2024. Both sides view these steps as foundational pillars for deepening collaboration across multiple sectors.
“Our relationship is based on mutual respect and a common drive to work together,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
“This visit, accompanied by a delegation from the Rwanda Development Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, underscores our commitment to doing business with Pakistan.”
The Rwandan minister emphasised that the two countries are actively reviewing additional MoUs in sectors such as education, defence, and trade.
Trade featured prominently in the discussions, with both ministers highlighting opportunities to expand commercial ties. Pakistan currently imports $26 million worth of Rwandan goods annually — primarily tea — and is exploring imports of coffee, avocados, pulses, and horticultural products.
In return, Pakistan, which exports approximately $100 million in goods to Rwanda, sees potential for its pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, surgical instruments, and sports equipment in the Rwandan market.
“Our economies are complementary,” said Dar. “This provides a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Rwandan businesses have recently increased their engagement with Pakistan, including active participation in the health, engineering, and minerals exhibition held in Lahore. More engagement is expected at the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa next month.
{{Technology and innovation cooperation
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Both countries are eyeing strategic cooperation in technology and innovation. Pakistan, with its growing ICT sector, is keen to support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional tech hub. Areas under consideration include digital transformation, fintech, e-governance, and innovation platforms for youth.
“Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Rwanda in building digital ecosystems,” said Dar, pointing to potential joint ventures and knowledge exchanges.
On the multilateral front, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to global peace and security. Pakistan and Rwanda are among the top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Minister Nduhungirehe praised Pakistan’s role on the UN Security Council and its efforts to address conflicts affecting Africa, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We appreciate Pakistan’s contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution,” Nduhungirehe said.
“Rwanda is committed to regional peace, and we will continue to engage in multilateral efforts for lasting solutions.”
The visit concluded with both ministers expressing optimism about the future of Rwanda-Pakistan relations. High-level visits and diplomatic engagements are expected to continue, with both sides prioritising economic development, regional integration, and mutual support at international forums.
“We see in Pakistan not just a partner, but a friend,” said Minister Nduhungirehe. “This visit has laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation that benefits both our peoples.”
This marks the first time in history that a Rwandan will be among the cardinal-electors in a papal conclave—and Cardinal Kambanda himself is also eligible to be elected pope.
On November 28, 2020, Pope Francis elevated Antoine Kambanda to the rank of cardinal, making him the first Rwandan in history to attain that position.
Following Pope Francis’ death, a conclave of selected cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. The gathering is expected to take place between May 6 and 11, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, as prescribed by Church law.
Among the more than 120 cardinals eligible to vote is Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. Notably, only cardinals under the age of 80 may take part in the election, Cardinal Kambanda, at age 67, meets this requirement.
Although rare, there is no law preventing any cardinal from being elected pope. This means that Cardinal Antoine Kambanda is not only a voter—but also a viable candidate for the papacy.
Once a new pope has been elected and accepts the role, the ballots are ceremonially burned with chemicals that produce white smoke. The senior cardinal then steps out and announces to the public: “Habemus Papam”, which means “We have a Pope.”
