Pilgrims defy harsh weather to honour Janani Luwum

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Thousands of pilgrims converged at the ancestral home of Janani Luwum in Mucwini, Kitgum District, to mark the 49th anniversary of his martyrdom, enduring extreme weather conditions in a powerful demonstration of faith and remembrance.

The congregants braved a cold, drizzling night on the eve of the commemoration, as unexpected rainfall returned to Kitgum after nearly three months of dry conditions.

Many pilgrims spent the night in prayer at the late archbishop’s residence, enduring the chilly weather.

By morning, gentle sunrays offered relief, but the heat intensified by afternoon, scorching those who were not sheltered under tents.

Despite the harsh conditions, worshippers remained attentive and spiritually engaged throughout the service, actively participating in prayers, praise, and worship.

The steady overnight rainfall was widely described as a blessing, cooling the temperatures and settling the dust, a contrast to previous years marked by intense heat.

The celebration, held under the theme “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” drawn from Ephesians 2:14–17, began at 9:00 a.m. with a grand procession.

The service was led by Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

The preacher for the day was Ashley Null, a bishop in the Anglican Church in North Africa.

Cultural and religious presentations enriched the liturgy, animated by the dioceses of Lango and West Lango.

The Bwol dance troupe from Patongo in Agago thrilled congregants with vibrant traditional performances, blending faith with Acholi cultural heritage.

President Yoweri Museveni, the guest of honour, arrived at Wi-Gweng, Mucwini Sub- County, at 11:40 a.m., accompanied by the First Lady, Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports.

They were received by clergy led by Archbishop Kaziimba, who ushered the President to lay a wreath at the burial site of the late archbishop.

The President arrived amid heavy security deployment.

The event attracted members of Archbishop Luwum’s family, led by Ben Luwum, hundreds of foot pilgrims, including a group led by Thomas Tokwing Musulini who trekked from Kampala, and several government dignitaries.

Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered in 1977 during the regime of Idi Amin.

He is widely believed to have been killed for speaking out against human rights abuses and the persecution of Ugandans whose political and religious beliefs differed from Amin’s government.

In his address, President Museveni cautioned contemporary leaders against adopting dictatorial tendencies reminiscent of Amin’s era, urging them instead to lead according to the will of the people.

The commemoration once again stood as a solemn reminder of faith, sacrifice, and the enduring call for unity, stability, and peace in Uganda.