President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday joined thousands of Ugandans in Kitgum District to honor the 49th anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum’s martyrdom, paying tribute to his unshakable faith, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice during the reign of former dictator Idi Amin. The day served as a solemn reminder of the power of conviction in the face of tyranny.
The commemoration began with a moving church service, followed by President Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni laying wreaths at the graves of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum, in Mucwini. The ceremony unfolded under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity,” symbolizing both spiritual guidance and national reconciliation.
In his speech, Museveni reflected on Uganda’s turbulent past, highlighting the dangers of authoritarian rule. He criticized Amin’s 1971 military coup, stressing that leaders must earn legitimacy through service, not fear, and that reliance on intimidation inevitably leads to failure and national suffering.
The President recounted his personal experience during the coup, revealing how he immediately resolved to resist, fleeing to Tanzania to organize opposition. “Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” he said, underscoring the enduring lesson that moral courage and principled action can outlast oppression.
Museveni also condemned the use of violence to silence opponents, sharing how he rejected a proposal to assassinate a military commander, insisting that even in times of conflict, both the cause and the methods must be just. He reminded citizens that leadership rooted in justice, not terror, is the only path to lasting stability.
Turning to development, the President praised the people of Northern Uganda for their support and credited improvements in infrastructure, schools, health facilities, and electricity for contributing to peace and reducing poverty. Initiatives like the Parish Development Model, he said, have helped many households transition into the money economy, creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
The President also fulfilled a pledge of Shs60 million to priests of Kitgum Diocese and vowed to tackle cattle rustling in East Acholi. Church leaders, including The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, emphasized the importance of preserving Archbishop Luwum’s legacy, highlighting schools and churches named after him as enduring symbols of justice and faith.
The event concluded with renewed calls for unity, courage, and moral leadership. Plans were announced to transform the Janani Luwum site into an international pilgrimage center, complete with schools, hospitals, and administrative facilities, ensuring that the Archbishop’s vision of faith, justice, and national cohesion continues to inspire future generations.
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