Janani Luwum

Janani Luwum Day: COU introduces annual foot pilgrimage to Mucwini

(Last Updated On: 23 January 2020)


Kampala/Gulu – Christians under Church of Uganda and other religions have been urged to walk on foot to Mucwini – Kitgum district in respect and memory of former Archbishop.

For past years, Christians would use public transport to reach celebration grounds – something the Anglican Church leadership is changing.

The announcement was made on Sunday at different Churches, among them St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda, Nsambya parish – Kampala Diocese.

‘All Christians from other faiths like Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostals, Born-Again, Baptists have all been asked and invited.”

Outgoing Archbishop, The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali is the chief patron of this historic pilgrimage.

Other patron are; Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and the Prime Minister – also Head of Government Business, Rt. Hon. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

According to the Anglican Church’s bulletin to Christians on Sunday, on 27 January, there will be an overnight service to bless the journey at St. Paul Cathedral, Namirembe.

 On 28 January, Christians, especially those from Kampala will gather at the residence of the Archbishop at Namirembe where it has been marked the first station. That same day, in the morning pilgrimage starts.

According to the schedule, Christians [pilgrims] are expected to arrive at Wii Gweng, Mucwini on 14 February.

Annually, following government gazette in 2015, St. Janani Luwum Memorial Day takes place on 16th February.

How to support the Holy event

People, irrespective of religious affiliations have been urged to contribute generously to the cause. The Church of Uganda has, therefore, partnered with MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda to make sending the money easier.

Sending via MTN? Dial *165# choose option 3 [donation]. The code is Janan Luwum Memorial

Sending via Airtel? Dial *185# enter business number 1143493 and follow more instructions

Brief about Janani Luwum – RIP

Janani Jakaliya Luwum (1922 – 17 to February 1977) was the archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977 and one of the most influential leaders of the contemporary church in Africa. He was arrested in February 1977 and died shortly after. Although the official account describes a car crash, it is generally accepted that he was murdered on the orders of the then President, Idi Amin Dada.

Luwum was born in the village of Mucwini, Kitgum district to all Acholi parents. He attended Gulu High School and Boroboro Teacher Training College in Lira district, after which he taught at a primary school. Luwum converted to Christianity in 1948, and in 1949 he went to Buwalasi Theological College.

In 1950, he was attached to St. Philip’s Church in Gulu. He was ordained a deacon in 1953, and the following year he was ordained a priest. He served in the Upper Nile Diocese of Uganda and later in the Diocese of Mbale.

In 1969, he was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda at Gulu. After five years, he was appointed Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga (in Zaire), becoming the second African to hold the position.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *