Church to honour Janani Luwum
L-R: Archbishop of the Anglican Church Stanley Ntagali, former prime minister Apollo Nsibambi, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and the president of Uganda Peoples Congress, Mr Olara Otunnu dance during the launch of international celebrations of the late Janani Luwum at Namirembe Cathedral yesterday. Photo by Rachel Mabala
What you need to know:
The Church is planning to celebrate St Janani Luwum day every February 16, with this year’s event in Kitgum.
Kampala- The Church has launched a series of activities to honour late Archbishop Janani Luwum, the head of the Anglican Church in Uganda announced yesterday.
The initiative seeks to turn the tragic day of February 16, 1977 into a ‘special’ celebration with the establishment of St Janani Luwum Memorial Charity aimed at preparing the annual event.
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stanley Ntagali said St Janani Luwum’s day will be celebrated on February 16 this year in Mucwini village, Kitgum District where the deceased was buried.
“For many years, February 16 has been a special day of remembrance for Archbishop Janani Luwum.
The Church in Uganda has regularly observed this day but a dedicated team of national leaders from different denominations have come together to give this day the respect it deserves,” Archbishop Ntagali said, adding that President Museveni would preside over the function.
He said the memorial service will be handled by three Archbishops, including Ntagali, Archbishop of York John Ssentamu and John Baptist Odama of the Catholic Archdiocese who are also patrons of the St Janani Luwum memorial charity.
“Fundraising for the celebrations will begin immediately. We are asking for support of all dioceses, churches, Christians and all people of good will who recognise the significance and importance of a national remembrance of the life and witness of Archbishop Luwum,” Archbishop Ntagali said.
He also said Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Bank of Uganda governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile are on organising committees. The late Luwum was arrested on false charges from the Namirembe House and brutally killed by officials of Idi Amin’s government.
Dr Rugunda commended the organisers, saying the move seeks to enhance the popularity of Archbishop Luwum’s martyrdom.
“For many of us in the political scene, we regard him as a political icon because his death galvanised the force that coerced the Amin government,” he said.
The premier said government would ensure appropriate arrangements are made towards the day.
