Museveni Honours Archbishop Janani Luwum’s Martyrdom, Warns Against Intimidation

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday joined thousands of Ugandans in Kitgum District to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum, paying tribute to his courage, faith and sacrifice during the brutal regime of former dictator Idi Amin.

The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, as the nation gathered under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity” (Ephesians 2:14–17).

The national commemoration began with a main church service, followed by the laying of wreaths by the President and the First Lady at Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, the final resting place of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum.

St. Janani Luwum Day, observed annually on February 16, honours the Archbishop who was killed in 1977 after openly condemning human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests and killings under Amin’s regime.

In his address, President Museveni said the country had gathered not only to honour Luwum’s unwavering faith, but also to reflect on the dangers of authoritarian leadership.

He described Amin’s first major mistake as seizing power through the 1971 military coup, saying leaders should never impose themselves on citizens but must instead earn legitimacy through service delivery.

The President recalled that he learnt of the coup on January 25, 1971, while preparing to go to work from his home in Kireka, where he was then serving as a research assistant in the President’s Office. He said that after confirming Amin had taken over, he contacted student leaders and resolved not to accept the regime.

Within two days, he withdrew money from the bank and fled to Tanzania with four others to begin organising resistance.

“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” Museveni said, adding that leaders must persuade the people through good deeds, citing biblical teaching on letting one’s works shine.

He warned that any leader who relies on intimidation repeats the same error Amin made.

Museveni further described Amin’s second mistake as using killings to silence opponents. While acknowledging Uganda’s history of armed struggle, the President said he has consistently rejected assassinations and attacks on individuals outside the battlefield.

He cited an incident where he rejected a proposal by fighters to assassinate then army commander Oyite Ojok at his home, insisting that even during conflict, both the cause and the methods must remain just.

The President said he was satisfied that those behind atrocities during Amin’s regime ultimately failed, noting that the sacrifices of leaders such as Archbishop Luwum and Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain.

Turning to development, Museveni thanked the people of Northern Uganda for supporting him electorally, attributing the shift to sustained government investment in infrastructure and service delivery.

He cited electricity extension beyond Lira, improved roads, schools, health centres and clean water systems, which he said contributed to eliminating diseases such as guinea worm.

He noted that government efforts to move households into the money economy have reduced poverty, with initiatives such as the Parish Development Model targeting the remaining households still outside the cash economy.

Museveni also pledged to personally follow up on reported cases of cattle rustling in East Acholi.

During the function, the President also fulfilled his pledge of Shs60 million to priests of Kitgum Diocese.

Archbishop Janani Luwum remains one of Uganda’s most revered religious martyrs. After presenting a protest letter condemning state violence under Amin, he was arrested and later killed in 1977.

Speaking at the event, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed pilgrims from across the country and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to preserving Luwum’s legacy.

“As the Church of Uganda, we continue to celebrate the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum,” he said.

He highlighted several institutions named after Luwum, including churches and schools in Kampala and beyond, and said the celebration is not only about an individual, but about faith, justice and the values he preached.

The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Olwa, commended the organising committee and urged Ugandans to draw renewed courage and unity as the country approaches the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom.

Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, congratulated President Museveni on his recent electoral victory and praised Northern Uganda for overwhelmingly supporting him.

She also revealed plans to develop the Janani Luwum site into an international pilgrimage centre, noting that the family offered the land and a draft master plan has already been drawn.

Projects including a primary school, hospital and administrative block are expected to commence before the next commemoration.

Kitgum District Woman MP and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, described Luwum as a lasting moral and spiritual pillar for the Acholi people and the nation.

She credited government development programmes for improved infrastructure and stability in the region following years of insurgency.

The commemoration drew Ministers, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and believers from across Uganda, with prayers and sermons reinforcing Archbishop Luwum’s enduring message of peace, justice and unity.