West Nile pilgrims usher in St Janani Luwum Day with Kitgum gospel outreach
Simon Ciriga, a youth representative from Madi West Nile Diocese, said having the opportunity to preach and bring salvation to the people of Acholi was a great privilege, given the previously strained relationship between the two communities.
The team from Madi West Nile Diocese preaching the gospel to children in one of the schools in Kitgum district on Friday. (Photos by Robert Adiga)
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Clergy and Christians from Madi West Nile Diocese are among thousands of faithful pilgrims who have gathered in Kitgum district to commemorate St Janani Luwum Day, in honour of the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
The group, which departed the diocese on the morning of February 12, 2026, was led by the diocesan youth office under the leadership of the diocesan youth coordinator.
Janani Luwum Day is observed every February 16 in Uganda. The day recognises the pivotal contributions of Janani Luwum, former Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda.
It is widely known that he was murdered on the orders of Uganda’s former President Idi Amin because he was outspoken in his criticism of Amin’s dictatorship and excesses in leadership.
Despite having died nearly five decades ago, Archbishop Janani’s legacy lives on, and he is today regarded as “one of the most influential leaders of the modern church in Africa.”
Speaking to New Vision from Kitgum district, the vicar of Maracha Town Parish, Rev. Denis Adoroti, said the team had embarked on door-to-door preaching as well as ministering in different schools and churches in Kitgum district ahead of the main celebrations scheduled for Monday, February 16.
The youth pilgrims from Madi West Nile Diocese during a prayer session with pupils in one of the schools in Kitgum, ahead of the St. Janan Luwum Day.
“We have so far reached eight schools and two churches by Saturday, and today, Sunday, we have divided ourselves into four churches, and we are grateful, and this started in 2022 when I led a team of 32 youths when I was the diocesan youth coordinator, and since that year, we have never missed a pilgrimage to Kitgum,” said Rev. Adoroti
Esther Inzikuru Obitia, a visually impaired pilgrim and former special needs education officer for Arua district, said the death of St Janani brought salvation to humanity and reconciliation for the people of Acholi and Lugbara.
She said she was privileged to minister to the people of Acholi and was overwhelmed by the reception they received, which she said reflected the continued unity and reconciliation inspired by Janani Luwum.
Janani Luwum was the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Boga Zaire.
He was born in 1922 and converted to Christianity in 1948. Six years later, in 1954, he became a priest. After rising through the ranks over the years, he was appointed Archbishop in 1974.
Following a military coup in 1971, Idi Amin proclaimed himself President of Uganda.
Archbishop Luwum was vocal in his criticism of Amin’s regime and became a prominent figure in the opposition. He encouraged others to speak out and remained devoted to his ministry.
A leading voice of resistance, he boldly delivered a note in 1977 to the president, protesting against unjustified killings, policies, and unexplained abductions.
Luwum was arrested on February 16, 1977, and accused of treason for allegedly staging a coup.
A public holiday to commemorate his death was proposed in 2015 and first observed on February 16, 2016.