Hundreds of Christians, both from Anglican and Catholic denominations, converged at Wii Gweng in Mucwini sub-county, Kitgum district, to observe the 47th Saint Janani Luwum Day.
The commemoration, held under the theme “Conforming to the Truth of God’s Word That Transforms,” saw attendees traveling by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, and foot to participate in the annual celebration.
Dignitaries present included Hon. Lilly Rose Akello, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, as well as representatives from various religious traditions such as Church of Uganda Archbishop, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, and the Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara.
Government officials in attendance included Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, Minister Kahinda Otafire, and the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, among others.
The event also featured prayers led by Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba for over 300 pilgrims who journeyed from different parts of the country to Wii Gweng.
Janani Luwum, who served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977, was murdered on February 16, 1977, allegedly on the orders of then-President Idi Amin Dada. Luwum was accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
Luwum’s martyrdom led to the Government of Uganda declaring February 16th as a public holiday each year in his honor.
