Former Uganda People’s Congress president Olara Otunnu has criticised the government for failing to establish a permanent memorial in honour of Archbishop Janani Luwum, using the 49th anniversary of the slain church leader’s death to call for moral renewal and respect for human rights.
Speaking during morning commemorations in Kitgum, Otunnu said Luwum’s legacy of truth, justice and reconciliation remains urgently relevant.
“We are observing the 49th anniversary of his martyrdom,” he said. “He is not just a historical figure. He is a leader who speaks to us here and now.”
Luwum, the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was killed in 1977 during the rule of Idi Amin after protesting alleged state violence and abuses.
Addressing pilgrims who walked from surrounding districts to attend prayers, Otunnu described Luwum as a moral voice during a period of national crisis.
“He stood for truth and justice at a time when right and wrong were being obliterated,” he said, adding that the message remains relevant today.
Otunnu warned that Uganda remains polarised along ethnic, regional and political lines, arguing that Luwum’s example offers a path to unity.
“He was a great unifier. He speaks to us about one people, one country, one society,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as growing materialism, contrasting it with Luwum’s simple lifestyle and cultural pride.
Much of his remarks focused on the absence of a permanent memorial at the commemoration site.
“This place has been like this for nearly 50 years,” Otunnu said. “We have spoken about an appropriate memorial, but there is no sign of it anywhere here. Ugandans should be deeply ashamed.”
He questioned why other major church projects, including Uganda Christian University, have been completed while the Luwum memorial remains unfinished.
“Who is afraid of Janani Luwum?” he asked. “There must be a reason why nothing moves.”
Otunnu linked the archbishop’s legacy to contemporary political concerns, citing detentions during recent elections and alleged security operations against opposition figures.
“Luwum was a contemporary voice speaking about human rights and democratic practice,” he said. “His message speaks directly to what is happening in our country today.”
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to attend the commemoration, and Otunnu expressed hope the visit will lead to concrete action.
“There have been many promises,” he said. “What we need now is action.”
Thousands of pilgrims continued to gather throughout the day, marking the anniversary with prayers, hymns and calls for national reflection.
