President Yoweri Museveni is set to attend the 48th commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum in Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, Kitgum District, as reported by Daily Star.
The announcement was made by the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng.
Canon Ongeng shared that this year’s commemoration has drawn a large number of pilgrims from across Uganda. They began their journey on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from St. Philip’s Cathedral in Gulu, where they were sent off by Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.
On Monday, February 10, the pilgrims walked a distance of 38 km to Cwero, where they spent the night.
On Tuesday, February 11, they continued their journey from Cwero to Atanga for another overnight stay. On Wednesday, February 12, they will proceed from Atanga to Acholibur.
On Thursday, February 13, they will walk from Acholibur to Kitgum Town Parish, and on Friday, February 14, they will complete their pilgrimage with the final leg from Kitgum Town Parish to Wii-Gweng, Mucwini.
Canon Ongeng also acknowledged the remarkable efforts of Mzee Musolini, a dedicated pilgrim from Namirembe. Together with six others, Musolini retraced the path taken when Archbishop Janani Luwum’s remains were moved.
“On Sunday, Mzee Musolini and his group reached Madi Opei Church of Uganda, located 28 miles north of Kitgum and 14 miles north of Mucwini. This site is historically significant as the body of Archbishop Luwum was mistakenly taken there before being returned to Mucwini for burial,” Canon Ongeng said.
The Main Celebrant for this year’s event will be the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, with Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, serving as the preacher.
A 540-member choir, representing various dioceses across Northern Uganda, is also prepared to lead the worship during the celebrations.
Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the Church of Uganda to ensure the success of the commemoration service and related activities. She also revealed plans to develop Mucwini into a modern tourism site to honor Archbishop Luwum’s legacy.
“As part of the build-up activities leading to Archbishop Janani Luwum Day, several community engagements have been planned. These include a youth football competition at the Archdeaconry level, with the finals on Friday, February 14, in Mucwini. The winning team will receive a trophy. Additionally, there will be an open-air crusade featuring praise and worship performances from various parish groups,” Akello said.
Akello also noted that Archbishop Janani Luwum was executed on February 16, 1977, alongside then Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Oboth Ofumbi and Inspector General of Police Erinayo Oryema. They were falsely accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.
