President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined thousands of Ugandans in Kitgum District on Monday to mark the 49th anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum’s martyrdom, celebrating his bravery, steadfast faith, and ultimate sacrifice during the oppressive rule of former dictator Idi Amin. The solemn occasion drew citizens from across the country to reflect on the values of integrity and justice.
The national commemoration began with a solemn church service, after which President Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni laid wreaths at the graves of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum, in Mucwini. The event was held under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity,” emphasizing both spiritual guidance and national cohesion.Addressing the gathering, President Museveni reflected on the perils of authoritarian leadership, recounting how Amin’s 1971 military coup disrupted the nation.
He stressed that true leaders must earn legitimacy through service rather than intimidation, warning that history judges harshly those who rule through fear and oppression.Recalling his own experience at the onset of Amin’s regime, Museveni described how he immediately chose resistance, fleeing to Tanzania to organize opposition after witnessing the brutal takeover. “Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” he said, reinforcing the importance of principled leadership and the enduring power of moral courage.
Museveni highlighted Amin’s reliance on violence to silence dissent as a critical error and noted his personal commitment to rejecting assassination and extrajudicial attacks, even during armed struggles. He shared an instance in which he turned down a plan to target a military commander, emphasizing that the pursuit of justice must never compromise ethics or humanity.Turning to national development, the President commended the people of Northern Uganda for their electoral support, linking progress in the region to government investment in roads, electricity, schools, and clean water.
He noted that initiatives like the Parish Development Model have helped transition communities into the money economy and reduce poverty, reinforcing peace and stability.President Museveni also pledged to address ongoing issues such as cattle rustling in East Acholi and fulfilled a promise of Shs60 million to priests of Kitgum Diocese. Religious leaders, including Archbishop of the Church of Uganda The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Luwum’s legacy, highlighting institutions bearing his name as lasting symbols of faith and justice.
The commemoration concluded with a call for unity and moral courage, with government officials and citizens alike emphasizing the enduring lessons of Archbishop Luwum’s life. Plans were unveiled to develop the Janani Luwum site into an international pilgrimage centre, complete with schools, hospitals, and administrative facilities, ensuring that his vision of faith, justice, and national unity continues to inspire generations to come.
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