By Ouni Jaspher
KITGUM: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni faults Idi Amin for overbearingly imposing himself on Ugandan and propagating extrajudicial killings of those with dissenting views including Archbishop Janani Luwum.
During the 49th Commemoration Anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum held at Mucwini Ceremonial Grounds in Kitgum district, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cited the above two grave mistakes of Idi Amin that he describes as irrational and unbearable.
Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered by Idi Amin regime on the 16th/February/1977 for his bold stand against the excess of Amin’s government and gross human rights violations metted on the people and since 2016 government resolved to honor the heroic act by gazetting it a public holiday in his memory.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni explains how him and other patriots initiated the anti-Amin fight and warned leaders against intimidation and manipulation politics like Amin.
Museveni recommends politics of persuasion as opposed to confrontational and intimidation as he presided over the 49th Commemoration Anniversary of the Archbishop Janani Luwum in Kitgum district.
He cites the NRM’s persuasive approach to Northern Uganda at inception when the electorate in that area least supported the NRM but through continuous engagement and improved service delivery to the area through schools, health centers, good roads, electricity and other services, the populace embrace the party to the level of the most voted party with nearly 90% in the just concluded 2026 General Elections.
President Museveni says bad leaders like Idi Amin without a clear political ideology should have never been let into power as seen from their disastrous conduct including the murder of Janani Luwum and other prominent figures at his time.
He confirmed plans to commence construction of the Janani Luwum Pilgrimage site at Mucwini in Kitgum district upon completion of the site’s development plan.
President Museveni says a replica of Namugogo, Munyonyo and other martyrs shrines will be implemented at Mucwini Ceremonial Grounds where the Janani Luwum site is planned for construction.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni says the NRM has revenged for all victims of Idi Amin including Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka and others and called for harmonious living for all.
The Archbishop Church of Uganda Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu then asked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to pardon more prisoners as the country commemorates the 49th Anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum who was murdered by Idi Amin terror regime
Archbishop Kazimba notes that president Yoweri Kaguta Museven has always pardoned minor offenders and a similar gestures he has called for in the Commemoration of Janani Luwum.
Kazimba Mugalu commended government for acknowledging the contributions of Archbishop Janani Luwum and honoring his role to Uganda’s growth and development.
Dr Kazimba Mugalu notes that Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered for speaking truth to the Amin regime and opposing atrocities by the Amin regime which signifies the importance of faith and religion to Uganda’s transformation.
He called on Ugandan to emulate the Luwum by living up to the values he stood for, As he explains during the Commemoration of the 49th Anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum at Mucwini Ceremonial Grounds in Kitgum district.
Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu listed several initiatives established by the church in commemoration of Archbishop Janani Luwum which include among others the Janani Luwum House previously named the Church House in Kampala, Janani Luwum Hall at Uganda Christian University, Janani Luwum Church at Kansanga and several schools named after him for his heroic life.
The President and the First Lady have laid wreaths at the final resting place of St. Janani Luwum in honour of his unwavering faith, courage and sacrifice for truth and justice.
