Luwum

Ugandans urged to emulate Archbishop Janan Luwum and ‘fight  against unjustified killings, abductions’

(Last Updated On: 15 February 2023)

On February 16 every year, Uganda celebrates the life and services offered by the late Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Janan Luwum. 

The day was declared a public holiday in respect to, and memory of what the former Man of God offered to Uganda and beyond.

Janan was the 2nd Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire from 1974 to 1977.

“He was passionate and vocal about the fight against human rights abuses, unjustified killings, and unexplained abductions,” the UPC party can recall. 

“He devoted and encouraged others to be bold and speak for themselves against the oppression caused by the then President Iddi Amin,” Arach Oyat Sharon, the UPC spokesperson added.

On Thursday, 16th February 2023, UPC will join the rest of Ugandans to commemorate the Janan Luwum Day, according to Arach. 

“As the rest of the country will gather in celebration of the gallant Archbishop Janan Luwum, under the theme: “United for service and growth.” 

Ephesians 4:11-16. “…So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…”

Decades after his brutal murder by Amin’s men, Uganda still records unlawful arrests, abductions and delayed justice for those arrested for alleged crimes. 

And what is the UPC’s strong message to Ugandans ahead of February 16? Below are messages the spokesperson has conveyed.

“It is against that background that UPC calls upon the people of Uganda to emulate the late Archbishop and fight for the protection of human rights against any kind of immoral and violent acts ranging from homosexuality, abductions and ongoing unlawfulness in the country.” 


What we should know:

  • Janan Luwum was murdered on Feb., 17 in Kampala 
  • He was born in 1922 in Mucwini, Kitgum 
  • He was one of the most influential men at that time in Uganda and beyond.
  • A statue of Luwum was unveiled in July 1998 and stands above the western entrance to the Church in Westminster Abbey, London.

“Let us be keepers of one another and move through the right path that has been enlightened by the death of Janani Luwum,” added Arach.

In 2015, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni declared February 16 a public holiday which has since been respected.

The 2021 ‘scientific celebration’ was held under the theme: “Life in its Fullness” from the Book of John 10.

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