The Roman Catholic Church in Uganda has denounced the claim that the Vatican has allowed the blessing of same-sex marriage.

Recently, media across the world was flooded with reports that Pope Francis formally permitted Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples on Monday, a significant shift in the church’s approach to LGBTQ+ people.

According to a Vatican document approved by the Pope, blessings may be carried out, provided they are not part of regular church rituals or liturgies, nor at the same time as a civil union.

While delivering his Christmas and New Year’s sermon at St Marys Cathedral Lubaga in Kampala on Thursday, December 21, 2023, Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere stated that the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda has not received any communication from the Vatican regarding the change in Catholic doctrine.

“I have not gotten communication from the Vatican that the Pope has considered the blessing of same-sex marriage. The teachings of the Catholic Church haven’t changed regarding same-sex marriage,” said Archbishop Ssemogerere.

He said they will continue to value the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding the blessings of same-sex couples.

“I would like to urge Ugandans not to speculate over this that the teaching of the Catholic Church has been changed by His Holiness the Pope. I have told you that officially, there is nothing that has been declared in regards to this; the Pope himself is merciful and has the mercy of Jesus. Confidently, I can tell you that the teachings of the Catholic Church are intact regarding same-sex marriage,” said Ssemogerere.

In May 2023, President Yoweri K. Museveni signed a bill criminalizing same-sex conduct, including potentially the death penalty for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality,” into law.

The anti-homosexuality law is now being challenged in the Constitutional Court by the rights groups that are seeking to annul the law, claiming it violates the right to equality and dignity.

The law has caused global outrage, with the World Bank halting new loans to Uganda and the US imposing visa restrictions on key officials. The government is defending the case in the Constitutional Court, saying the law protects traditional family values.