Janani Luwum Day: Leadership must be built on service, not force – Museveni
Through prayers, sermons and reflection, the nation once again honoured the legacy of a man whose faith and sacrifice continue to shape Uganda’s spiritual and civic life nearly five decades later.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today led Ugandans in commemorating the 49th anniversary of the martyrdom of Janani Luwum in Kitgum District, paying tribute to the Archbishop’s courage, faith and sacrifice during the brutal regime of former dictator Idi Amin.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, as thousands of pilgrims gathered under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity” (Ephesians 2:14–17).
The national commemoration began with a 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 honours the Anglican leader who was killed in 1977 after openly condemning human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests and killings under Amin’s regime.
Reflecting on Leadership and History
In his address, President Museveni said the day was not only about remembering Luwum’s unwavering faith but also reflecting on the dangers of authoritarian rule.
He described Amin’s first major mistake as imposing himself on the country through the 1971 military coup. At the time, Museveni said, he was serving as a research assistant in the President’s Office and learned of the coup on January 25, 1971, while preparing to leave his residence in Kireka for work.
Upon confirming the news, he said he contacted student leaders and resolved not to accept the new regime. Within two days, he had withdrawn money from the bank and left for Tanzania with four colleagues to begin organizing resistance.
“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” President Museveni said, emphasizing that legitimate leadership must be built on persuasion and service, not force.
Quoting biblical teaching, he noted that leaders must let their good deeds shine before others, warning that any leader who relies on intimidation risks repeating Amin’s errors.
The President cited Amin’s second major mistake as using killings to silence dissent. While acknowledging Uganda’s history of armed struggle, Museveni said he has consistently rejected assassinations and attacks on individuals outside the battlefield.
He recalled turning down a proposal by fighters to assassinate then–army commander Oyite Ojok at his home, insisting that such actions would amount to cowardice.
“Even in conflict, both the cause and the methods must be just,” he said.
President Museveni expressed satisfaction that those responsible for atrocities during Amin’s regime ultimately failed, noting that the sacrifices of leaders such as Luwum and Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain.
Church Leaders Emphasize Faith and Unity
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed believers from across the country and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to preserving Luwum’s legacy.
“As the Church of Uganda, we continue to celebrate the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum,” he said.
He highlighted churches, schools and institutions bearing Luwum’s name in Kampala and beyond, stressing that the commemoration is “not just about an individual; it is about faith, justice and the values he preached.”
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Olwa, commended the organizing committee and urged Ugandans to draw renewed courage and unity as the nation approaches the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom.
Plans for Pilgrimage Development
Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, revealed plans to transform Luwum’s burial site into an international pilgrimage centre.
“The family of Archbishop Luwum offered the land, a draft master plan has been drawn, and projects for a primary school, hospital and administrative block are underway. We are hopeful that by the next commemoration, construction will have commenced,” she said.
Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees and Kitgum District Woman MP, praised Luwum’s enduring moral and spiritual influence, particularly among the Acholi community.
The commemoration drew ministers, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and pilgrims from across Uganda. Through prayers, sermons and reflection, the nation once again honoured the legacy of a man whose faith and sacrifice continue to shape Uganda’s spiritual and civic life nearly five decades later.
