EDITOR
Ugandans on Monday marked the 49th anniversary of the martyrdom of Janani Luwum, gathering in Kitgum to honor his courage, faith, and sacrifice during the brutal regime of Idi Amin.
The national commemoration was led by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni. Held under the theme “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity” (Ephesians 2:14–17), the event began with a solemn church service before the President and the First Lady laid wreaths at Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, the final resting place of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum.
Observed every February 16, St. Janani Luwum Day honors the Archbishop who was killed in 1977 after openly condemning human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, and killings under Amin’s regime.
In his address, President Museveni said the commemoration was both a tribute to Luwum’s unwavering faith and an opportunity to reflect on the dangers of authoritarian rule.
Recalling the 1971 coup that brought Amin to power, the President described it as a grave mistake rooted in the imposition of leadership through military force. He shared that at the time, while serving as a research assistant in the President’s Office, he learned of the coup on January 25, 1971, from his home in Kireka. Within days, he left for Tanzania with four others to begin organizing resistance.
“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” President Museveni said, stressing that leaders must persuade citizens through service and example rather than intimidation. He warned that any leader who relies on fear mirrors the same errors that defined Amin’s rule.
The President also condemned the use of assassinations and unlawful killings, noting that even in times of armed struggle, both the cause and the methods must be just. He expressed satisfaction that those responsible for atrocities during Amin’s regime ultimately failed, adding that the sacrifices of leaders such as Luwum and Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain.
Turning to national progress, President Museveni thanked the people of Northern Uganda for their electoral support, attributing it to sustained government investment in infrastructure and service delivery. He cited expanded electricity coverage beyond Lira, improved roads, schools, health centers, and clean water systems that have helped eliminate diseases such as guinea worm.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to transition households into the money economy, pointing to initiatives like the Parish Development Model aimed at uplifting families still outside the cash economy.
Addressing security concerns, the President pledged personal attention to reports of cattle rustling in East Acholi. He also fulfilled his Shs60 million pledge to the priests of Kitgum Diocese.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed pilgrims and believers from across the country, saying the Church continues to celebrate Luwum’s life and martyrdom as a testament to faith and justice.
“This is not just about an individual; it is about faith, justice, and the values he preached,” Archbishop Kaziimba said, noting the many churches and schools that bear Luwum’s name.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Alfred Olwa, commended the organizing committee and expressed hope that as Uganda approaches the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom, the commemoration will renew courage, unity, and service among believers.
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, welcomed participants and revealed plans to develop Luwum’s burial site into an international pilgrimage center. She said a draft master plan is in place, with projects for a primary school, hospital, and administrative block underway.
Kitgum District Woman MP and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Lillian Aber, praised Luwum’s enduring moral influence, particularly among the Acholi people. She highlighted the region’s transformation from decades of insurgency to sustained peace and development.
Nearly five decades after his death, Archbishop Janani Luwum remains one of Uganda’s most revered religious martyrs. His bold stand against injustice continues to inspire both spiritual reflection and civic responsibility.
The commemoration in Kitgum brought together prayers, sermons, and community participation from across the country — reaffirming a legacy anchored in faith, unity, peace, and stability.
