Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, has reiterated the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness towards the late Idi Amin’s clan by the Acholi community, regarding the death of Archbishop St Janani Luwum nearly 50 years ago.
Luwum, who served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 until his assassination in 1977, was reportedly killed on the orders of then-President Idi Amin. He was known for his outspoken criticism against the regime’s actions.
In commemoration of Luwum’s life and work, February 16 is observed as a public holiday in Uganda.
During the national celebrations of St Janani Luwum Day at Wii–gweng in Mucwini sub-county, Kitgum district, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo emphasized the importance of reconciliation efforts, acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed previously initiated reconciliation arrangements.
He noted that members of the Kakwa clan, from which Idi Amin hailed, had openly apologized to the Christian community for the actions of their son.
The Chief Justice called upon religious leaders, including Kitgum Diocese Bishop Emeritus McLeod Baker Ochola and bishops from Lango and Acholi sub-regions, to lead the reconciliation and forgiveness process, aiming to foster lasting peace and harmony between the Kakwa and Acholi people.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, also attended the event and appealed to the government to reopen the teachers’ college in Lira, where Luwum once studied. He suggested that the college, closed for many years, should be reopened in honor of Luwum’s memory.
