President Yoweri Museveni on Monday led Ugandans in commemorating the 49th anniversary of the martyrdom of Janani Luwum in Kitgum District, paying tribute to his courage, faith and sacrifice during the regime of former military ruler Idi Amin.
The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, at the national event held under the theme, “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity” (Ephesians 2:14–17).
The commemoration began with a church service before the President and the First Lady laid wreaths at Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, the final resting place of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum.
In his address, President Museveni said the country had gathered to honor Luwum’s steadfast faith and to reflect on the dangers of authoritarian leadership.
He described Amin’s first mistake as seizing power through the 1971 military coup, saying leadership should be based on persuasion and service rather than force. Museveni recalled learning of the coup on January 25, 1971, while serving as a research assistant in the President’s Office, and deciding within days to leave for Tanzania to join efforts to organize resistance.
“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” the President said, emphasizing that legitimate leadership must be earned through service and good governance.
He also criticized the use of violence to silence opponents, describing it as Amin’s second major mistake. While acknowledging Uganda’s history of armed struggle, Museveni said he has consistently opposed assassinations and attacks on individuals outside the battlefield.
He cited his rejection of a proposal to assassinate then army commander Oyite Ojok, insisting that both the cause and the methods pursued in conflict must be just.
The President said the sacrifices of leaders such as Luwum and former Chief Justice Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain, noting that those responsible for past atrocities ultimately failed.
Turning to development, Museveni thanked the people of Northern Uganda for their electoral support, attributing it to sustained government investment in infrastructure and service delivery.
He highlighted progress in rural electrification beyond Lira, road construction, education and health facilities, and clean water systems that eliminated diseases such as guinea worm. He added that initiatives aimed at integrating households into the money economy have reduced poverty levels, with the Parish Development Model targeting those still outside the cash economy.
The President also pledged to personally address reports of cattle rustling in East Acholi and fulfilled a Shs60 million pledge to priests of Kitgum Diocese.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed pilgrims from across the country, saying the commemoration was not only about an individual but about faith, justice and Christian values.
He noted that numerous churches and schools across the country bear Luwum’s name and encouraged believers to remain anchored in Christ for unity, stability and peace.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Alfred Olwa, commended the organizing committee and expressed hope that preparations toward the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom would renew commitment to courage and service.
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello said plans were underway to develop the martyrdom site into an international pilgrimage center. She said a draft master plan had been prepared, with proposed projects including a primary school, hospital and administrative block.
Kitgum District Woman MP and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees Lillian Aber praised Luwum’s enduring moral influence, particularly among the Acholi people, and highlighted ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives in the region.
St. Janani Luwum Day, observed annually on February 16, honors the Archbishop who was arrested and killed in 1977 after presenting a protest letter condemning state violence under Amin’s government.
Nearly five decades later, the commemoration continues to serve as a national moment of remembrance, reflection and renewed commitment to peace, unity and justice.
