Gov’t To Upgrade Janan Luwum Burial Site- Ethics Minister
As Uganda waits to mark and celebrate the life of St Janan Luwum that is marked on every 16th February,the government of Uganda says it’s working on upgrading the burial site of Luwum,which is found at Wiigweng, Mucwini, Kitgum district.
According to the state minister of ethics and intergrity Hon. Akello Rose Willy says as government they have been having meetings regarding upgrading this site and they are ready to make it a tourist site.
Minister said this today morning while briefing media at media centre today ahead of the preparations of the commemoration service of St Janan Luwum that will be celebrated on Wednesday at Kololo Independence grounds led by Archbishop The Most Rev. Dr.Stephen Kazimba Mugalu and the guest of honour will be His excellence Gen Yoweri Museveni under the theme: “Hope Beyond Affliction” Lamentation 3:21-26.
“The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Hope Beyond Affliction”, Lamentation 3:21-26. This theme encourages us to believe God for sustainable transformation in all aspects of life. It is a time to promote real forgiveness as we embark to national building and development through re-strengthening ourselves with hope in our God.” Said Hon Akello
The state Minister also reminded us about the role of religious and faith institutions.
“The role of Religious and Faith Institutions in instilling and nurturing values, norms and behavior towards a common goal in Uganda is recognized in Program 18 of the National Development (NDP) III. This brings with it great benefits such as awareness of the Country’s rich history, and appreciation of its development agenda which largely hinges on a culture of integrity, accountability and patriotism at all levels of society; which St. Janani Luwum lived for.”
“This is the time therefore, for all people of God; young and old, from all religious backgrounds and faiths, from all tribes and nationalities, to come together and thank the Lord God Almighty for the gift of St. Janani Luwum to Uganda and the world at large for the great foundation he laid of facing our challenges with courage and hope.”
Who is Archbishop Janani Luwum?
Archbishop Janani Luwum was born in 1924 in Mucwini among the Acholi people.
He went through all stages of education at the time until he took on his first calling as a teacher at Boroboro College, Boroboro Parish in Lira District. On 6th January 1948, in dramatic conversion, Janani Luwum accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and it is then that he switched to Church Ministry. Janani Luwum served in almost all key positions in the church ranging from Principal of Buwalasi Theological College, Provincial Secretary at Namirembe, Bishop of Northern Uganda and in June 1974 following unanimous election; he was installed as Archbishop of the ecclesiastical Province, then covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire (Eastern DR Congo).
He was the second African Archbishop of the Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire; and the second Bishop of Kampala Diocese.
Why Commemorate St. Janani Luwum Martyrdom?
Comrades, you must be asking yourselves why it is significant to mark the 16th February as an important day in Uganda. Archbishop Janani Luwum served during the times of turmoil in Uganda; specifically, under the reign of the Gen. Idi Amin Dada. This however did not hinder him from standing out for the values that we up to date, strive to uphold in this country.
He was known for defending the truth at all times irrespective of the repercussions. His ability to speak the truth against the brutality towards Ugandans exhibited during Amin’s regime was a sign of unwavering courage.
He strived to see youth, women and men involved in gainful employment; thus promote hard work for self reliance. He was passionate about development in all areas where he served, with emphasis on poverty reduction and rural development.
For the love of his country, and the love for the work of God, he willingly took on the responsibilities given to him not only for his personal wellbeing but also for the community he served.
Though his blood was shed on the 16th January 1977, today we still sense the Spirit of belonging and unity of purpose. Because of his brave character and dedication to the Church, Archbishop-martyr Luwum has been referred to as “Blessed Janani” in the Special Prayers (collect) of the Church of England. The Modern Martyrs Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral was dedicated in July 1978.
Blessed Janani Luwum’s statue is stationed on the West Wall of Westminster Abbey, London, among statues of 10 other 20th Century Martyrs, since July 1998.” Statement from ministry of Ethics.