By Rose Kasigwa

After the passing of Pope Francis, governments and leaders across the globe joined Catholics and non-Catholics alike in mourning.

Periods of mourning range from three days up to nine days, which is the traditional period of mourning at the Vatican, during which daily masses and ceremonies are being held in memory of the pope.

Other countries that have announced periods of mourning include Argentina, Brazil and East Timor, all of which extend to one week.

Some governments, including those of the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, have ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.

Uganda also joins the rest of the globe to mourn the death of his holiness pope Francis describing him a unifying factor.

In an official statement issued on behalf of government of Uganda on Monday, the minister of ICT, Chris Baryomunsi described the pontiff as one that promoted peace and justice.

“He will never be forgotten for his visit to Uganda. It was a great moment of unity and spiritual renewal,” said Baryomunsi.

The speaker of Uganda parliament Anita Annet Among described the late pope Francis as a down to earth person, one who promoted peace and unity globally.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan also joined fellow African leaders and the global community in mourning the late Pope Francis, lauding his legacy of compassion, humility and devotion to peace and justice.

In her condolence message, Tanzania President Samia suluhu praised the Pope’s leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, noting his unwavering commitment to exclusivity and human dignity.

The Pope passed away Monday morning in Rome at the age of 88. Pope Francis’ death certificate, released by the Vatican, said he died in his apartment at 7:35 a.m. from cerebral stroke, coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.