By KT Reporter
As Uganda commemorates the 46th anniversary of Archbishop Janan Luwum’s martyrdom, Christians have been encouraged to make informed decisions when electing leaders.
Rev. Canon Samuel Ediau, the Diocesan Secretary of the Church of Uganda Soroti Diocese, emphasized the importance of electing leaders of integrity, citing Archbishop Luwum’s ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
Rev. Ediau made the appeal during a sermon at St. Peter’s Cathedral Soroti, urging Christians to pray for their leaders and reflect on the qualities of Archbishop Luwum, who was brutally killed by Idi Amin’s government on February 16, 1977.
Canon Patrick John Ouke Aisu said the death of Archbishop Luwum demonstrates a man of faith, urging believers to remain strong and uphold their convictions.
Like Canon John Ouke, Rose Ouke commended the former Archbishop for his unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of death.
Janani Luwum was the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire. Born in 1922, Luwum converted to Christianity in 1948, becoming a priest in 1954. Rising through the ranks of the church, he was appointed Archbishop in 1974.
In 1971, Idi Amin assumed power in Uganda, becoming President after a military coup. His reign was characterized by human rights abuses and political persecution. It is estimated that the number of people killed during his regime number over 100,000.
Archbishop Luwum was a leading figure in the criticism of the excesses of the Idi Amin regime. In 1977 Archbishop Luwum delivered a note to Idi Amin, protesting against the policies of unjustified killings and unexplained disappearances of people. On 16 February 1977, Luwum and two cabinet ministers were arrested and accused of treason and planning a coup. It was then announced that all three were killed in a car crash, caused by the victims trying to overpower the driver.
When the body of Luwum was released to his family, the cause of death was found to be by gunshots. In 2015, the government declared February 16 a public holiday in his memory, recognizing his contribution to faith and human rights.
This year’s main national celebrations will be held in Mucwini, Kitgum District, under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Peace and Stability.” Today marks 46 years since the country witnessed the tragic killing of one of its most influential and virtuous clergymen, who served as the Archbishop of Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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