Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, has paid tribute to Archbishop Janani Jakaliya Luwum during the 49th commemoration of his death, highlighting his enduring role as a moral compass guiding Uganda toward unity, integrity, and peace.
Speaking at St. Paul Church of Uganda in Mucwini Sub-County, Aber described Luwum, the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, as a symbol of courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to justice.
She recalled his arrest on February 16, 1977, for speaking out against human rights abuses under former President Idi Amin, noting that he was executed on Amin’s orders.
“St. Janani Luwum remains not only a religious icon but also a moral compass whose legacy continues to guide our nation,” Aber said.
Reflecting on northern Uganda’s history, Aber acknowledged the region’s recovery from over two decades of Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, emphasizing the peace and security that communities now enjoy.
She commended President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership in promoting stability across northern Uganda and the wider African region.
Aber also highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve livelihoods, including the government’s plan to erect an electric fence along Kidepo Valley National Park to prevent crop destruction by elephants
. She noted that the project will enhance food security, protect household incomes, and foster coexistence between communities and wildlife conservation efforts.