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A Cross-section of legislators, from Acholi sub-region, is calling for more effort to popularize St. Janani Luwum Day, a holiday set aside on the Ugandan Calendar in remembrance of the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The day is commemorated on February 16.
On this day 44-years-ago, Archbishop Janani Luwum was murdered together with the former Inspector General of Police Wilson Erinayo Oryema, and former Defence Minister Charles Oboth Ofumbi on orders of former Ugandan President Idi Amin. His crime was criticizing the excesses of Idi Amin’s regime that assumed power in 1971.
The regime is seen as one of the most brutal of all African dictators in modern history, one marred by immense suffering, violence and abuses of human rights. During this time, the economy collapsed, inflation rose and thousands were brutally murdered. According to a report by the Anglican Focus, Ugandans at the time survived by not trusting anyone, putting their heads down and trying to avoid being noticed.
On the day of his death, Janan Luwum had just delivered a note of protest to Amin against the arbitrary killings and unexplained disappearances of civilians and soldiers. Later, he was accused of being an agent of the exiled former president Milton Obote, and for planning to stage a coup.
In his memory, the day of his death has been marked as a public holiday, since 2015. But it is one of the holidays that are unknown among nationals, and on this basis, MPs think that more efforts should be put in place to make the celebration more significant and ensure that the day draws more attention than it is at the moment.
Okin P.P Ojara, the Chairperson of Acholi Parliamentary group says that although the designation of the day is a welcome move, the government has not put in enough effort to make the population popular and acceptable amongst Uganda. Part of the problem, he says, is the failure by the government to fulfil its pledges for a statue and a museum in Luwum’s memory.
According to Okin, the government and the Anglican Church should not let this day end always as a political gesture, but ensure that the day is relevant to all.
Okin says that Janani Luwum’s death is instrumental to the liberation of Uganda.
Betty Aol Ochan, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament says that many people are aware of what they are celebrating on this day. She says that there is a need to be intentional about a public holiday that has not lasted more than six years.
Adams Sadiiki, the Provincial Communications Officer Church of Uganda says that they have done a lot of activities to popularise the Janani Luwum Day. According to Sadiiki, limited activity could be because of COVID-19 restrictions.
