President Museveni meets and holds talks with Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed. | August 2021.| Photo: The Kampala Post.

The South Sudan government has invited the presidents of Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia to Juba to attend events of the Pope’s visit to the country.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said Yoweri Museveni, William Ruto and Dr. Abiy Ahmed have been invited to witness the 40th Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis.

However, Makuei stated that the three leaders are yet to confirm their attendance.

“The guests who were invited are; President Museveni, President Ruto, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, these are people who are invited but up to now we have not received the confirmation from them,” he told Eye Radio.

He said that all preparations are in place, and that everything is moving well.

“We are expecting the reception to be very highly exceptional because it is the first visit to the Republic of South Sudan by the pope.”

Pope Francis and his accompanying delegation will arrive in South Sudan’s capital Juba this Friday, February 3, and spend two days.

Meanwhile, Minister Michael Makuei Lueth has called on the citizens especially those in Juba and its surrounding areas to turn up for the reception on Friday.

“My message to the people of South Sudan is to come out in their numbers, for those who are in nearby towns they should move to juba to attend the reception of the holiness of the pope and his colleagues and I appeal to the people of juba town to come out in their number to receive the holiness.”

Pope Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby, and Rt. Reverent Ian Greenfields will leave Vatican for DR Congo on Tuesday, January 31 before heading to South Sudan.

During their visit the faith leaders will meet with internally displaced persons, top government officials, and church congregations in Juba.