'Janani Luwum tomb will become tourist attraction'

The Government says it wants to transform late Archbishop Janani Luwum’s grave at Wii-Gweng village, Mucwini sub-county in Kitgum district into a global tourist attraction.

Ethics and integrity state minister Rose Lilly Akello says the move to develop Mucwini into a modern tourism site to honour Archbishop Luwum’s legacy. 

The state minister was briefing the media about preparations for Janani Luwum Day celebrations slated for February 16, 2025. This was at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on February 11, 2025.

Akello has also reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the Church of Uganda (COU) in ensuring the success of the commemoration and its associated activities.  

“As part of the build-up activities to the Archbishop Janani Luwum Day, several community engagements have been planned, including a football competition among youth at the archdeaconry level, with the finals taking place on Friday, February 14, in Mucwini. The winning team will receive a trophy. There will also be an open-air crusade featuring praise and worship performances from various parish groups” Akello said.

She also revealed that the Government has set aside a sh400m budget to cater to this year's commemoration, which is expected to be graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as chief guest.

Luwum, who was the archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977, was murdered on February 16, 1977, on the orders of the then-president of Uganda, Idi Amin Dada over allegations of wanting to overthrow the government.

He was the head of the Anglican ecclesiastical province, which was then composed of four countries (Burundi, Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Uganda).

The Government of Uganda declared February 16, every year, a public holiday to commemorate his life and martyrdom.

This year's celebrations will be under the theme: Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good (Galatians 6:9).

Part of over 250-foot pilgrims led by Northern Uganda diocese mission co-ordinator the Rev. Zacharia Otto and other clerics from Gulu City. (Credit: Denis Ojwee)

According to COU spokesperson Adams Sadiiki, the Church is fully prepared to host the 48th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum at Wii-Gweng.

This was confirmed by COU provincial secretary the Rev. Can. William Ongeng.

Pilgrimage

Ongeng said this year’s commemoration has attracted a significant number of foot pilgrims from different parts of Uganda who began their journey on Sunday, February 9, from St Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu, where they were flagged off by the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

According to him, on Monday, the pilgrims walked up to Cwero, a distance of 38km, where they spent the night.

On February 11, they proceeded from Cwero to Atanga for an overnight stay. 

On February 12, they were expected to continue their journey from Atanga to Acholibur.

On February 13, they are expected to walk from Acholibur to Kitgum town parish. 

On February 14, they are expected to arrive at Mucwini.

Ongeng also recognized the extraordinary effort of Mzee Musolini, a dedicated pilgrim from Namirembe in Kampala city, who, along with six others, retraced the path where the remains of Archbishop Janani Luwum were moved.

“On Sunday, Mzee Musolini and others arrived at Madi Opei Church of Uganda, which is 28 miles north of Kitgum and 14 miles north of Mucwini. This is a significant place in the martyr’s journey, as the body of Archbishop Luwum was mistakenly taken there before being returned to Mucwini for burial.” Canon Ongeng said.

According to Ongeng, the main celebrant for this year’s event will be Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, while the preacher will be Ankole Diocese Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa.

He further noted that a 540-member choir, with representation from various dioceses across Northern Uganda, is ready to lead worship during the celebrations.