Born in 1924 in the northern lands of Uganda Mucwini Chua Kitgum, St Janan Luwum is a re-known religious leader and a martyr who served his country and the nations beyond for several years in his career as a religious leader and his legacy has left many in wonder some of which have resolved to undertake safaris to Uganda to explore the ancestral lands of this man of God.
St. Janan Luwum initially served as school teacher before joining the ministry of the Church and after his ordination as Reverend, he served as Buwalasi Theological College Principal; Namirembe Provincial Secretary, Bishop of Northern Uganda before being installed as the Archbishop of the ecclesiastical Province in May 1974 covering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire (Eastern DR Congo) of which parts of these countries are apparently kept together by the lucrative gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.
His years of service came to an end on 16th February 1977 when he was murdered at Nakasero accusing him of publically condemning the evil acts of the then Amin’s dictatorial government. Janan Luwum from then was viewed as a martyr who made a pivotal turning point that eventually led to the fall of Idi Amin and the liberation of Uganda. This liberation laid a great foundation for peace and stability which in turn has led to the flourishing of safaris and tours in Uganda leading to increased foreign exchange earnings.
Janan Luwum has been celebrated across the world by dedicating schools, chapels and churches to him. In fact in the year 1978, 20th Century Martyrs Chapel was dedicated him by Canterbury Cathedral; St. Janan’s statue was unveiled in July 1998 in Westminster Abbey while on the calendar celebrating saints and Martyrs in the Church of England, 17TH February is the Festival of Janan Luwum. Therefore, it is against this background that Uganda felt a moral concern of ensuring that the testimony, example and Martyrdom of St. Janan Luwum be known emulated and celebrated in his ancestral homeland Uganda, continental lands of Africa and across the globe. No wonder, February 16th, 2015 has been set for St. Janan Luwum’s commemoration at his country land Wii Gweng, Mucwini which is about 23 km north of the town of Kitgum.
A range of believers from within and abroad not forgetting those already on Uganda safari tour are expect to attend the commemoration. The initiative also is seen as a step towards attracting Christians all over the world to undertake Uganda safaris and tours for pilgrimage and religious purposes.
The event is expected to be graced by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda His grace Stanley Ntagali, Archbishop and the chief intercessor John Baptist Odama, the Ugandan born Dr. John Sentamu who is the Archbishop of York and the famous Desmond Tutu of South Africa. The counts of national and International dignitaries are also expected to attend and H. E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to be the Guest of Honor.
As part of commemoration, the Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with Uganda Tourism Board will offer half 50% entrance discount to Uganda safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park for those who will be preceding to the north for the event.