Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged leaders to win support through persuasion and service delivery, not intimidation, as Uganda marked 49 years since the killing of Janani Luwum.
The President led national commemorations in Kitgum District on February 16. The event, held under the theme “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity,” began with a church service. Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, later laid wreaths at Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, where Luwum and his wife are buried.
St. Janani Luwum Day is observed annually on February 16. It remembers the Archbishop who was killed in 1977 after protesting human rights abuses and arbitrary arrests.
In his address, Museveni reflected on the 1971 coup that brought Amin to power. He described the coup as Amin’s first major mistake.
“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” Museveni said. He added that leaders should not impose themselves on citizens but should persuade them through good service.
He cited biblical teaching and urged leaders to let their actions speak for them. He warned that intimidation mirrors the failures of past dictatorships. Museveni said Amin’s second mistake was the use of killings to silence opponents. He noted that even during armed struggle, methods must remain just.
He recalled rejecting a proposal to assassinate then–army commander Oyite Ojok at his home.
He said such actions would have amounted to cowardice.
The President said the sacrifices of Luwum and Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain. He said those responsible for atrocities ultimately failed.
Turning to development, Museveni thanked Northern Uganda for electoral support.
He cited expanded electricity, improved roads, schools, health centres, and clean water systems.
He said government interventions eliminated diseases such as guinea worm in the region.
He pointed to the Parish Development Model as a tool to move households into the money economy. He pledged to address reports of cattle rustling in East Acholi. Museveni also delivered his Shs60 million pledge to the Priests of Kitgum Diocese.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed pilgrims from across the country.
“As the Church of Uganda, we continue to celebrate the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum,” he said. He added that the commemoration is “not just about an individual; it is about faith, justice, and the values he preached.”
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Olwa, praised the organizers. “As we approach the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom, may this commemoration renew us in courage, unity, and service,” he said.
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, said plans are underway to transform the Luwum site into an international pilgrimage center.
“The family of Archbishop Luwum offered the land, a draft master plan has been drawn, and projects for a primary school, hospital, and administrative block are underway,” she said.
Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees and Kitgum District Woman MP, Lillian Aber, praised Luwum’s moral legacy.
“The unwavering faith and moral conviction of Janani Luwum continue to guide the Acholi people and all Ugandans,” she said.
Ministers, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and cultural leaders attended the commemoration, reaffirming Luwum’s enduring spiritual and civic influence.
