As February 16, the first anniversary of the Janani Luwum day, draws near, government and the Church of Uganda have launched a series of events to mark the death of Uganda’s Anglican archbishop.

Addressing journalists last week, the assistant bishop of Kampala diocese, Rev Dr Hannington Mutebi, said the string of events are aimed at strengthening Luwum’s martyrdom and message of oneness among Ugandans. On February 5, Anglicans will gather at various churches in the city from where they will walk to St Paul’s cathedral, Namirembe.

Mutebi said similar events would be held across the country and celebrations will end with the main event at Luwum’s birthplace in Mucwini village in the northern Kitgum district.

“We invite all people regardless of religion, ethinicity or sex to attend the event, especially those who cannot make it to Mucwini to come in big numbers,” Musoke said on behalf of Archbishop Stanley Ntagali at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He further said that this year’s chief guest will be the bishop of Bristol Diocese, Rt Rev Mike Hill, who will be representing the Rt Rev Justin Welby, the leader of the Church of England and Archbishop of Canterbury. 

The prime minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, described Luwum as a courageous leader who strived for fairness during the insecure era of Idi Amin.   He noted that government would continue working with the Anglican Church to promote democracy.

Luwum was killed on February 17, 1977 on President Idi Amin’s orders. Amin, who led Uganda for eight years from 1971, is largely regarded as a dictator under whose reign there were several extrajudicial killings.

About Shs 700 million has been allocated by government to help organise the celebrations. Rugunda also said government will make sure the ailing retired Anglican Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo gets the best treatment in London. Nkoyoyo is currently hospitalised in a London hospital and needs Shs 265.2 million to cover his medical bills.

Rugunda said the government is in touch with Nkoyoyo’s family and that President Museveni has already contributed about Shs 80m to help clear the retired archbishop’s medical bills.

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