St Janani Luwum Day: Lone pilgrim completes 504km trek

Thomas Tokwiny Mussolini had by Friday evening completed a staggering 504-kilometre trek on foot, with his final destination very much within sight, ahead of the St Janani Luwum Day.

His arrival in Madi-Opei town council in Lamwo district meant he was on the final leg of his weeklong pilgrimage from Kampala to his final destination: Wii-Gweng, Mucwini in neighbouring Kitgum district.

It is the site of the annual commemoration of the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum every February 16.

This year's will be the 49th anniversary commemoration of the late top Anglican clergyman.

Every year, pilgrims make their way to Wii-Gweng to celebrate the life of one of the most influential religious leaders of his time.

Tokwiny, a retired driver, made sure to repeat the pilgrimage this year.

For the last couple of days, he has been walking an average of 80 kilometres per day and remarkably, it has been a pain-free affair — by his own admission — and he remains in high spirits.

"I am very healthy, not having any pain. God has protected me all the way from Kampala," he said after arriving in Madi-Opei town council.

For a veteran traveller, it is perhaps unsurprising that the typical wear and tear that many foot pilgrims endure has not affected Tokwiny. With no ailments nor swollen feet, he believes it is the work of divine intervention.

Thomas Tokwiny Mussolini was received at Madi-Opei by Rev. Penington Okeny of St. Luke’s Church of Uganda. (Credit: Claude Omona)

40 years of divine protection

For Tokwiny, this annual pilgrimage to Uganda's north is an act of profound gratitude. 
Before retiring 15 years ago, he had spent four decades behind the wheel working for various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in northern Uganda.

"I thank God that I was never involved in any road accident in all the 40 years that I was a driver," he said.

This unblemished safety record on the road has served as his primary motivation for making the trek to Wii-Gweng for the last four years.

On Friday, Tokwiny was received in Madi-Opei by Rev. Penington Okeny of St Luke’s Church of Uganda, who held up Tokwiny’s journey as a beacon for other believers.

"I appeal to you to attempt to renew your faith through what Tokwiny has shown so that you may be close to God," said Okeny.

This year's national celebrations of the life of Archbishop Luwum will be held under the theme 'Anchored in Christ for stability, peace and unity'.

The public holiday honours the legacy of the archbishop who was murdered in 1977. 
While the main event takes place in Kitgum, memorial lectures and services are always held in dioceses across the country.