Gulu pilgrims start Janani Luwum Day trek to Mucwini

Hundreds of pilgrims have today, February 13, 2023, set off for the 150km journey to Kitgum in commemoration of Saint Janani Luwum's life.

The pilgrims started their journey from St Phillips Cathedral in Gulu City, proceeding to Mucwini in Kitgum.

While beginning their pilgrimage, the Christians sang songs of praise, amidst ululations in remembrance of their hero Luwum.

Moses Okot, an eight year old pilgrim having lunch with his parents.

 Rev. Cissy Akello, one of the committee members of the pilgrimage, said they were about 120-foot pilgrims and that they expect to walk for seven days to Mucwini. 

"We are about 120 in number and we had a stopover in Loyo –boo for a snack and we spent a night in Cwero trading centre”, Akello said.

Among the pilgrims is Ben Okot Pa Bitek, 70, a pilgrim who has been walking for the last 3 years; an 8-year-old boy, from Lii Primary School in Nwoya district who is walking with his parents and Happy Akwir, who walked from Gulu to Mucwini in Kitgum in 2022 when she was expecting a baby.

Sharon Balmoi Woman MP for Gulu District holding a banner for pilgrims from Gulu.

 Rev. Jenifer Loum, one of the granddaughters of Luwum, is also trekking from Gulu to Mucwini.

 While in Cwero trading centre, the pilgrims met their leaders, Betty Aol Ocan (Gulu City Woman MP), Simon Wokorach and Sharon Balmoi, who are Members of Parliament for Gulu district.

 There were several donations to the pilgrims at different trading centres.

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.

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

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