The government has announced plans to upgrade the burial site of Archbishop Janani Luwum into an international pilgrimage and tourist destination, with the addition of a modern sports stadium. Ethics and Integrity Minister Lilly Akello revealed that President Museveni has directed the modification of the master plan to incorporate this stadium, aiming to generate revenue for the Church while supporting pilgrimage and tourism.
Minister Akello presented a progress report to the Cabinet, held at State House, Entebbe, detailing the proposed developments at the St Janani Luwum burial site. This directive from President Museveni followed discussions with Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and Archbishop Stephen Kazimba of the Church of Uganda in April 2022.
The 47th remembrance of St Janani Luwum Day is scheduled to take place at Wii-gweng, Mucwini, Kitgum District, under the theme, ‘Conforming to the truth of God’s word, not the patterns of the world’. The event will be led by the Dioceses of Madi-West Nile and Nebbi, with President Museveni expected to attend.
Regarding developments at the burial site, Minister Akello highlighted the processing of a certificate of title for the grounds where the annual commemoration occurs, soon to be issued in the name of the Diocese of Kitgum. Additionally, a private architectural firm involved in the master plan has redesigned it to include the sports stadium.
The Directorate for Ethics and Integrity is set to submit bills of quantities and the certificate of title to the Works ministry for approval, followed by submission to the Finance ministry for funding. Work on the site, according to Ethics and Integrity Permanent Secretary Mr. Alex Okello, is already underway.
Gladys Oyat, chairperson of the local organizing committee, revealed that an oversight committee, appointed by the archbishop in consultation with the bishop of the Diocese of Kitgum, will soon be inaugurated to supervise the project.
St Janani Luwum Day was declared a public holiday by President Museveni in 2015. Archbishop Janani Luwum, the second archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was killed by the Idi Amin regime in 1977. Annually commemorated at Wii-gweng in Mucwini, Kitgum District, the day honors his memory and legacy.
