Uganda to Hold Janan Luwum Commemoration

Kampala city is taking off a year for St Janan Luwum Annual commemoration in Uganda on the 16^th February at the Wii Gweng, Mucwini which is the resting place and the birth place of Jonan Luwum. This commemoration will help in increasing the number of safaris to Uganda. St Janan Luwum was also born in 1924 in Mucwini, Chua, and Kitgum and was a school teacher before he joined Church ministry. Rev Janan went on serve in different capacities as the principal of Buwalasi Theological College after his ordination.

In 1974, he was installed as Archbishop of the accelesiastical province, covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga- zaire in Congo. On 16 February, 1997, the bishop was murdered at Nakasero, and by then President of Uganda, General Idi Amin Dada for the publically criticizing Amin’s actions. This is also followed a period of great tension, agitation and the ugly showdown from the public and the world at large with Amin and his dictatorial regime. This was also the searing martyrdom of St Janan which marked the pivotal turning point for the fall of Amin region and the subsequent liberation of Uganda.

This is the liberation which laid a strong foundation for excellent security in Uganda. For those interested in religious and cultural tours in Uganda, you can join the other pilgrimages and travel to Northern Uganda to celebrate the life of this protestant martyr. Just around the world, there is great devotion to St. Janan Luwum; churches, chapels and schools which have named after him. In 1978, Canterbury cathedral dedicated 20^th century Martyrs chapel to St Janan’s martyrdom. However in the Church of England’s calendar celebrating saints and martyrs, 17^th February is the festival of Jonan Luwum.

There is also a deep moral obligation which helps in ensuring that the testimony, martyrdom and also the example of St Janan Luwum is known, emulated and celebrated in his homeland Uganda, Africa and the whole World. UTB is also going to promote the annual event to the Christians niche world over to always plan on travelling to Uganda and also join in the commemoration events on 16 February. This will also help in attracting safaris to the country.

This national and the international celebration for this saint was launched at Namirembe Cathedral on 12^th January by the Archbishop of Uganda his Grace Stanley Ntagali. Also the worship and the thanksgiving in Mucwini will be ecumenically led by the Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and Archbishop John Baptist Odama. There will also be special guests and the memorial preachers for the occasion like Ugandan- born Dr. John Sentamu, Desmond Tutu. Many of the national and international dignitaries will be in attendance, led by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who will also be the guest of honor. Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with UTB will offer half prices for entrance to Murchison falls National Park for all travelling to the north for this event.