Janani Luwum martyrdom marked new dawn for Uganda—Lango Bishop Olwa

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The martyrdom of Archbishop St Janani Luwum marked a new dawn for Uganda, bringing spiritual renewal, unity and transformation to the nation, Lango Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Dr Alfred Olwa has said.

Olwa made the remarks at Lira city-based All Saints Cathedral, Boroboro, while blessing and flagging off foot pilgrims from the Dioceses of Lango and West Lango. The pilgrims officially started their five-day journey to Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, Kitgum district, on February 11, 2026.

The bishop encouraged the pilgrims to remain steadfast in faith so that they may one day see the great servant of God they are trekking to honour in eternal life.

A total of 55 pilgrims (30 women and 25 men) set off at midnight and had already covered 44 kilometres by press time, according to Dickens Ogwal, the chairperson of the foot pilgrims from Lango.

Luwum, born in Wii-Gweng Village, Mucwini sub-county, Kitgum, served as Archbishop of the Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire from 1974 until 16th February 1977.

He was accused of treason and killed by the Government for courageously speaking out against human rights abuses and defending innocent citizens during the regime of President Idi Amin.

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.

Today, he is remembered as a symbol of moral courage, and his legacy is honoured across Uganda and beyond.

Gulu pilgrims

Meanwhile, pilgrims from Gulu City who began their journey on Monday morning from St Philip’s Cathedral were already at Angagura sub-county, Pader district by press time on Wednesday afternoon, where they spent the night at Lacekocot.

This year marks the 49th anniversary of Archbishop Luwum’s martyrdom under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Peace, Unity and Stability”, taken from Ephesians 2:14-17.

The main celebrant will be the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, while the main preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Dr. Ashley Null, Bishop of the Diocese of North Africa.