Museveni, Church of Uganda leaders meet over Janani Luwum site

President Yoweri Museveni has met and held discussions with eminent leaders from the Church of Uganda led by Archbishop Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.  

In a tweet, the President said the team talked about the development of the Janani Luwum site at Mucwini in Kitgum District. 

Looking at Namboole Stadium as a key study, President Museveni proposed that a multi-purpose stadium that could be used for many events at a fee be built in memory of Janani Luwum.

“I had earlier suggested to them that we build a multi-purpose stadium in memory of Janani Luwum. I am happy they bought my idea. Let us integrate the idea of Sports & Religion into the project. I am looking at Namboole as a key study because we use it for many events at a fee,” the President said in a tweet. 

On August 15, 2021, five families handed over to the Diocese of Kitgum land measuring 93.7 acres for the development of the St Janani Luwum Memorial and Pilgrim site at Wii Gweng in Kitgum district.  

Janani Luwum was the Anglican Archbishop of the ecclesiastical province, then covering a large swathe of the Great Lakes region of Africa. The province comprised four countries—Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Boga-Zaire), Rwanda and Uganda.  

He was murdered on 16 February 1977 on account of his outspoken preaching, unflinching stand for human rights, and growing popularity across Uganda. He is buried in the Churchyard at Wii- Gweng, Mucwini sub-county, Kitgum district.  

In 1978, St. Janani’s martyrdom was accorded a rare recognition by Canterbury Cathedral with the dedication of 20th Century Martyrs Chapel. This was followed by a statue erected in his honour at London’s Westminster Abbey, in 1998. In Uganda, February 16 is a public holiday in his honour.