Hundreds of Christians have flocked to Wii Gweng in Mucwini sub-county in Kitgum district to commemorate the 47th Saint Janani Luwum Day.    

The commemoration is being celebrated under the theme: Conforming to the Truth of God’s Word That Transforms.

Hon. Lilly Rose Akello, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity also present at Wii -Gweng. Photo by Jackson Kitara.

The Christians who are both of Anglican and Catholic denominations, travelled by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle and foot for the annual celebration.

A brass band ushering the clerics to begin prayers. Photo by Jackson Kitara

Among the representatives from diverse religious traditions present at the Mucwini Ceremonial Ground is Church of Uganda archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu (Main Celebrant) and the Rt. Rev. Wilson Kitara. 

Gulu RCC Jane Frances Okili (in white gomesi ) with other RDCs attending the service. Photo by Jackson Kitara.

Others present are the Rt. Rev. Paul Kiptoo Masaba, Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku, the Rt. Rev Pons Awinjo Ozelle, the Rt. Rev. Onono Ongweng, the Rt. Rev. Binoni Ogwal, Bishop Emeritus Macleod Baker Ochola II, Archbishop Dr John Baptist Odama and the Rt. Rev Johnson Gakumba.

A group of catechists leading the procession. Photo by Jackson Kitara

Government officials present at the commemoration are Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, minister Kahinda Otafire and minister of state for northern Uganda, among others.

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba praying for over 300 pilgrims who walked from different parts of the country to Wii -Gweng . Photo by Jackson Kitara

Who was Janani Luwum?

Luwum, who was the archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977, was murdered on February 16, 1977, on the orders of the then-president of Uganda, Idi Amin Dada over allegations of wanting to overthrow the government.

Former UPC Party President Amb. Olara Otunnu at the ceremonial grounds. Photo by Jackson Kitara.

Archbishop Luwum was the head of the Anglican ecclesiastical province, which was then composed of four countries (Burundi, Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Uganda).

The clerics leading the service at Wii -Gweng. Photo by Jackson Kitara

The Government of Uganda declared February 16, every year, a public holiday to commemorate his life and martyrdom.