The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Ugandans to remain steadfast in faith and anchored in Christ, emphasizing that these values form the foundation for national unity, stability, and lasting peace.
Speaking on Monday at St Paul Church of Uganda in Mucwini Sub-County, Kitgum District, during the 49th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Jakaliya Luwum Day, Kaziimba reminded the congregation that the day is not only about remembering an individual but celebrating a legacy of courage, faith, love, and justice.
“Today’s celebration is not just about commemorating a person. It is a celebration of faith, resilience, and the Gospel of love and justice—values that Archbishop Janani Luwum exemplified and courageously preached until his death,” he said.
Archbishop Luwum, the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was arrested on February 16, 1977, on the orders of then-President Idi Amin after speaking out against human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.
While official reports claimed he died in a car crash, historical accounts confirm that he was executed for his unwavering stand against tyranny.
Honored both nationally and internationally, Luwum has a statue at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom and is celebrated as a martyr for faith and human rights. In 2015, the Government of Uganda declared February 16 a public holiday in his memory.
During the commemoration, Kaziimba also highlighted the role of forgiveness and reconciliation in promoting national healing.
“Your Excellency, we will never thank you enough for always offering forgiveness to many people. Recently, you forgave prisoners last year. We continue to request that you extend forgiveness even further,” he said.
The Archbishop concluded by urging all Ugandans to stand firm in faith despite social, political, and economic challenges.
“Today, we remind ourselves that we must be anchored in Christ for unity, stability, and peace. Only through Christ can we build a nation grounded in justice, reconciliation, and hope,” he said.
