KAMPALA- The Church of Uganda is fully prepared to host the 48th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum in Wii-Gweng village in Mucwini Sub County in Kitgum District.
Thi was revealed by the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev Canon William Ongeng during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala today where he was joined by the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon Rose Lilly Akello and the Director of Religious Affairs in the same Ministry, Rev Canon Aaron Mwesigye.
Canon Ongeng noted that this year’s commemoration has attracted a significant number of foot pilgrims from different parts of Uganda who began their journey on 9th February 2025, from St. Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu, where they were flagged off by the Rt Rev Godfrey Loum, the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
According to Canon Ongeng, the pilgrims yesterday walked upto to Cwero, a distance of 38km, where they spent the night and today they proceeded from Cwero to Atanga where they will stay overnight and tomorrow, they will continue their journey from Atanga to Acholibur.
He said that on Thursday, 13th February 2024, the foot pilgrims will walk from Acholibur to Kitgum Town Parish and their journey will culminate on Friday 14th February, when they walk from Kitgum Town Parish to Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, the final destination.
Canon Ongeng also recognized the extraordinary effort of Mzee Musolini, a dedicated pilgrim from Namirembe, 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 Canon Ongeng, the Main Celebrant for this year’s event will be the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, while the main preacher will be Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda.
He further noted that a 540-member choir, with representation from various dioceses across Northern Uganda, is ready to lead worship during the celebrations.
Hon Akello, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the Church of Uganda in ensuring the success of the commemoration service and its associated activities and revealed that plans are underway to develop Mucwini into a modern tourism site to honor Archbishop Luwum’s legacy.
“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, 14th February 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” Hon Akello said.
According to Hon Akello, Archbishop Janani Luwum was executed on 16th February 1977, together with the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Charles Oboth Ofumbi and the Inspector General of Police Erinayo Oryema who were falsely accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected to grace the celebrations as the Chief Guest and this year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9).
