Kitgum Bishop calls for unity in transforming St. Janani Luwum’s spiritual site

By Mildred Auma

The annual commemoration of St. Janani Luwum Day, held on February 16th, continues to bring together national and religious leaders to honor the legacy of the Ugandan martyr.

This year’s celebrations sparked public discussions about funding and responsibilities, particularly concerning the ambitious development plans for the St. Janani Luwum site.

According to Wilson Kitara, Bishop of Kitgum Diocese, the 2024 celebrations were organized by two committees: the National Organizing Committee (NOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

The National Organizing Committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, oversaw national-level planning, while Canon Dr. Gladys Oyat chaired local preparations.

Bishop Kitara disclosed that the government of Uganda allocated shs400 million for the event, of which shs364 million was managed by the National Organizing Committee.

Shs36 million, the Bishop said, was designated for specific tasks under the Local Organizing Committee.

He emphasized that this funding was strictly for activities on February 16th, highlighting the day’s significance as a national celebration.

“Beyond the annual event, efforts are underway to transform the St. Janani Luwum site into a world-class spiritual and tourist destination. This project is led by the St. Janani Luwum Site Development Committee, chaired by Canon Justice James Ogola.”

“Commissioned on February 16, 2024, by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, the committee envisions developing facilities such as a prayer arena, roads, and a tourist lookout,” narrated Bishop Kitara.

Despite these ambitious plans, the committee faces several challenges, including the need for architectural designs and bills of quantities, detailed implementation strategies, and startup capital to cover administrative costs, travel, meetings, and technical engagements.

Bishop Kitara notes that a significant milestone was reached in 2024 when the land title for the site was officially registered under The Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda, which ended years of debate over ownership and firmly established the Church of Uganda as custodian.

“The development of the St. Janani Luwum site is primarily a Church of Uganda initiative, but the diocese hopes for support from the Government of Uganda,” the Bishop stated.

Bishop Kitara urged members of the Church, Kitgum Diocese as the hosting diocese, and other stakeholders to contribute to the project’s success, noting that government support would follow once detailed plans and budgets are in place.

He emphasized that stakeholder contributions demonstrate faith solidarity, dedication to honoring St. Janani Luwum’s legacy, and a broader commitment to preserving Uganda’s spiritual heritage.

“By working together, stakeholders can honor the martyr’s legacy while contributing to Uganda’s spiritual and cultural heritage,” Bishop Wilson Kitara.

The Bishop’s appeal highlights the shared responsibility of the Church, the government, and the community in ensuring the success of both the annual celebrations and the long- term development of the St. Janani Luwum site.