Archbishop Janani Luwum’s vision lives on at theological college in Gulu

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The Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College stands as a living testimony to the faith, courage and servant leadership of Janani Luwum, the former Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire in eastern DR Congo, who was martyred on February 16, 1977, by Idi Amin’s government.

Founded in 1981 by the late Rt Rev. Bishop Benoni Ogwal Abwang, the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, the college began as a diocesan training centre. In 1997, the Provincial Assembly passed a resolution elevating it to one of the seven provincial theological colleges of the Church of Uganda.

Situated on 40 acres of land, the college was established to fulfil Archbishop Luwum’s vision of a Church led by men and women grounded in sound theology, moral integrity and practical development skills that transform both the spiritual and physical life of communities.

Rev. Sarah Cawdell Louise, the college principal, says the institution’s vision today remains deeply rooted in Archbishop Luwum’s life and witness, to train leaders who know God, serve faithfully and uplift their communities.

Principal Rev Sarah Cawdell showing the book (The making of a Martyr) written by Margaret Ford, a missionary and a former Secretary to Bishop Janani Luwum and later Archbishop. (Photo by Rosemary Anena)

“The college trains clergy and lay readers from across Northern Uganda. Remarkably, nearly 90 percent of priests serving in greater Northern Uganda have passed through this college,” said Rev. Cawdell.

Now licensed by the National Council for Higher Education, the college offers certificate and diploma programmes in theology and ministry, with a total enrolment of about 40 students, an increase from around 15 students three years ago.

True to Archbishop Luwum’s belief that the Church must address both spiritual and material poverty, Rev. Cawdell said the college is expanding its programmes to meet the development needs of the region.

“We are working closely with Ndejje University to ensure that by the May intake, we introduce diploma programs in primary education, social work, and business administration alongside the existing ones. This will equip students with both spiritual and practical skills to help them rise above a poverty mindset,” she said.

According to Rev. Cawdell, students receive hands-on training that enables them to return to their parishes not only as spiritual leaders but also as agents of community transformation.

“Here, we provide practical lessons in poultry, piggery, entrepreneurship, and conservation agriculture techniques such as mulching, minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and responsible pest management. Students are encouraged to share this knowledge with their communities during school breaks and after graduation.”

The college plans to elevate its status to a degree-awarding institution and introduce programmes in computing, entrepreneurship, counselling and pastoral care.

Support

The college is supported by Margaret Ford, former secretary to Archbishop Luwum, whose donation is being used to construct six new classrooms.

Other supporters include the Church in Korea, which has built a chapel, library and IT block; the Diocese of Bristol in the UK, which offers scholarships to some students; St John’s in North Carolina; and the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

Students’ experiences

Sheillah Aber Ker, from Christ Church Parish, who is pursuing a Diploma in Theology and joined the college in May last year, says the institution nurtures students spiritually, socially, emotionally and economically.

She urges Christians to emulate Archbishop Janani Luwum by remaining faithful servants, standing firmly for the truth and preaching the Gospel in and out of season, whether in good times or difficult ones.

Ordinand Susan Abonga emphasised the need for self-reflection as the country commemorates the anniversary.

“As we celebrate the anniversary of our great father, St Janani Luwum, I appeal to all of us to reflect on our relationship with God. Let us meditate upon what the Archbishop did and allow it to guide us- in that way, we shall follow his footsteps.”

Ordinand Richard Oyet from Lakang sub-county in Amuru district, who is pursuing a certificate in theology and ordination, noted that both religious and political leaders should learn from Archbishop Janani Luwum’s example by speaking the truth always.

He hailed the Archbishop for setting a high standard in speaking out against injustices and human rights violations.

By investing in the training of faithful servant leaders, the legacy of Archbishop Janani Luwum continues to shape a Church that transforms communities and honours Christ in Northern Uganda and beyond.