KITGUM: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has welcomed government’s pledge to develop a befitting memorial for Archbishop Janani Luwum in Mucwini, Kitgum Diocese where he (Archbishop Luwum) was buried.
Speaking at the 46th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum Day in Mucwini today, Archbishop Kaziimba described his Late Predecessor as a Christian Martyr, charismatic leader and an exemplary father of the nation.
“He stood for integrity, boldness, social justice and faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His promises. Archbishop Janani Luwum died on duty as the sitting Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga Zaire (1974-1977) at the time. We have a reason to remember him and celebrate what he believed in – the hope in the risen savior Jesus Christ.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “Janani Luwum was alone but had a bold voice against sin, social injustices and persistent bloodshed during his time. The Church of Uganda became stronger because of his prophetic voice and martyrdom. Church of Uganda will continue to advocate for faithful witness for Christ and stand by Biblical values.”
He condemned government’s decision to phase out Canon Lawrence PTC where Archbishop Luwum studied from, saying this will kill his legacy and proposed that it should instead be upgraded to a Core PTC or University or a better Institution to keep his legacy alive.
Archbishop Kaziimba said, the Church of Uganda will continue hosting the commemoration event and called upon governments of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to unite with Church of Uganda to develop Mucwini to international recognition.
“I appreciate government’s commitment to develop a befitting memorial for Archbishop Janani Luwum at Mucwini. We will continue organizing an annual foot pilgrimage, annual memorial lecture, activities in every Diocese, establishing a School, monument or any other of the sort in every Diocese and giving generously every 16th February for Janani Luwum projects.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He reiterated his call for programs aimed to bringing mindset change in Karamoja sub-region and introduction of free, forced and compulsory education in the region.
The President of Uganda, H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was the Chief Guest at today’s commemoration, said that government is committed towards ensuring that the site is developed to match the standard of Uganda Martyrs Site in Namugongo.
“I have had several meetings with the Archbishop and leadership of Church of Uganda and I am convinced that this place should be developed to be like Namugongo at the Anglican and Catholic Martyrs Sites. Government will do this.” President Museveni said.
President Museveni further asked the Church leadership to focus on establishing income generating projects.
“The Church should now start planning on how to help Christians get out of poverty and ensuring that it is self-sustainable. You must now start to think about establishing income generating projects to create wealth both for the Church and the Christians you serve.” President Museveni.
He decried the brutality of the past regimes which killed innocent people like Archbishop Janani Luwum.
“Whenever we gather here to remember someone or people who died for no good reason, I feel sad. I worked with some of the people who committed these serious crimes but I have never known their intentions and benefits. People like Idi Amin, I don’t know which side of heaven they are in, whether in the good or bad side.” President Museveni said.
He commended the Church for standing firm on family and moral values and saying no to homosexuality and reiterated his stand against the same.
“I thank Ugandan believers for rejecting homosexuality. The Europeans do not listen. They do not respect other people’s views. They want to turn the abnormal into normal and force it on others. We are not going to follow people who are lost.” President Museveni said.
He pledged support to Church of Uganda in its efforts to clear the debt on Janani Luwum Church House.
ENDS.
Additional photos by Francis Isaano, Nile Post.
ENQUIRIES
Sadiiki Adams
Communications Officer
Church of Uganda
+256778854739 | +256701550775
E-mail: asadiiki@churchofuganda.org
www.churchofuganda.or
