Soroti Diocese calls for moral courage in tribute to Archbishop Luwum
Unlike other commemorations held across the country, the Soroti event focused not only on remembering Luwum’s martyrdom but also on celebrating his life as a model of moral courage, integrity and principled leadership.
Rev. Canon Samuel Ediau during his memorial service of 3rd Archbishop of Church of Uganda Janani Luwum at St Peter’s Cathedral Soroti. (Credit: Juliet Akello)
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The Diocese of Soroti on Monday (February 16) held a solemn memorial service at St Peter’s Church to honour the life and sacrifice of the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Janani Luwum, delivering a strong message to Christians and national leaders alike that Uganda needs courageous, God-fearing leadership now more than ever.
Unlike other commemorations held across the country, the Soroti event focused not only on remembering Luwum’s martyrdom but also on celebrating his life as a model of moral courage, integrity and principled leadership.
President Yoweri Museveni declared February 16 a public holiday in 2015 to mark Luwum’s legacy.
In his sermon, diocesan secretary Rev. Canon Samuel Ediau urged worshippers to reflect on the deeper meaning of leadership.
“Leadership is not about power or privilege,” Rev. Ediau said. “It is about responsibility, integrity, and standing for truth — even when it costs you everything.”
Rev. Ediau recounted how Archbishop Luwum, alongside fellow church leaders, boldly confronted the brutality of the Idi Amin regime.
On February 1977, Luwum personally delivered a protest letter condemning arbitrary arrests, disappearances and killings sweeping the country.
The letter, however, was interpreted as treason by the government.
Days later, Luwum was arrested. Official reports claimed he died in a car accident, a narrative that has been widely disputed both locally and internationally.
The Diocese emphasised that Luwum’s legacy continues to resonate across generations.
“We must choose leaders who fear God, uphold justice, and serve selflessly,” Rev. Ediau said.
He cautioned that criticism unaccompanied by prayer or constructive engagement is not enough to build a righteous society.
Among the congregants was Canon Patrick John Ouke Aisu, a long-standing member of St Peter’s Church for over 50 years. Reflecting on the significance of the day, Canon Aisu recalled being a young man when Luwum was martyred and noted that his sacrifice helped unite Christians across denominational lines.
However, the Soroti Diocese insists that Archbishop Luwum’s life remains a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not by authority, but by moral courage and steadfastness in truth.
For the Diocese, the memorial was more than a historical reflection. It was a call for Uganda’s future to be shaped by righteousness, integrity and leaders bold enough to stand for what is right, even under the gravest pressures.