The government has promised to develop a pilgrimage site at the burial place of Janan Luwum, the Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga Zaire who was murdered by Idi Amin in February 1977.
Addressing the media at a function held in remembrance of Archbishop Luwum, the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity Rev Fr Simon Lokodo said the government will also improve on the deceased prelate’s tomb, erect a monument and improve on his small church in Mucwini, Kitgum district. “There will also be a prayer arena, more prayer points, a museum and schools,” the Minister added.
He lauded the good relations between the church and the state which, he said, “keeps on complementing itself through socio-economic activities like building schools hospitals and extending more services to the people.”
Last year the government gazetted February 16 as a national day in commemoration of the life of Archbishop Luwum, who was also declared a saint by the Anglican Church.
And, according to Fr. Lokodo, the government will this year spend Shs200million on the commemoration of the late Archbishop’s 40th anniversary since he was murdered in 1977.
Meanwhile, the Church of Uganda (CoU) Provincial Secretary Reverend Canon Amos Magezi, said the Anglican Church had published a book about the life of Archbishop Luwum, and that the Church House that is currently under construction, will be named after the fallen prelate.
“We thank the government for developing religious tourism sites like Namugongo and now the Mucwini master plan is under way. This will further promote the spirit of worship,” Rev Magezi added.
