Museveni Commemorates Archbishop Luwum’s Martyrdom in Kitgum, Pledges Development and Memorial
Kitgum, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni, alongside First Lady Janet Museveni, joined Christians in Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, Kitgum District, to mark 49 years since the martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum. The commemoration, held under the theme of faith for peace and unity, brought together pilgrims, bishops, and government officials to honor the late archbishop who was killed in 1977 on the orders of then-president Idi Amin.
In his address, Museveni reflected on the legacy of Luwum, praising his courage and steadfast faith in the face of tyranny. The President contrasted his administration’s approach with that of Amin’s regime, stating, “Idi Amin’s mistake was ruling by force and killings. Leadership must be through persuasion and good works, not intimidation.”
Museveni used the occasion to highlight his government’s development record in Northern Uganda, a region that was historically wary of his National Resistance Movement (NRM). “The NRM has always believed in persuasion through action. Even when support in Northern Uganda was low, we extended electricity, built and upgraded health centers, and improved the road network,” he said. He noted that these efforts eventually won over the local population, adding, “In the end, our people said: ‘NRM maber’ [Luo for ‘NRM is good’]. Apwoyo [thank you] for the overwhelming support in the just concluded election.”
The President made two key pledges to the people of Acholi: “We shall build a befitting memorial for Janani Luwum and decisively address cattle rustling in East Acholi.”
Church leaders who spoke at the event called for forgiveness and national unity, echoing the archbishop’s message of reconciliation. However, some pointed to recent election-related violence as a sobering reminder that true stability in Uganda still demands adherence to the rule of law.
The annual commemoration continues to serve as a moment of reflection on Uganda’s turbulent past and its path toward peace and development.
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