The Diocese of Kitgum has received financial support of over Shs 120 million to construct a structure that will house the grave of the late St Janani Luwum, a former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, and that of his wife, Mama Mary Luwum, at Wigweng Village in Mucwini West Sub-county, Kitgum district.
The support was obtained by Ben Okello Luwum, the former Minister of Land and Surveys, who is the eldest son of the late St Janani Luwum, from overseas friends.
Bishop Wilson Kitara of Kitgum Diocese says construction is expected to begin late this month, and by next year (2027) when the Church of Uganda will be celebrating the 50 years of Luwum’s Martyrdom, it will be completed.
He further notes that the structure will help protect the grave from stray animals and other environmental factors.
The late St Janani Luwum was killed in 1977 on the orders of Idi Amin, the former president of Uganda, and was buried at Wigweng in Mucwini Sub-county, Kitgum district, now lying alongside his wife who died in 2019.
The bishop further explains that the construction of the structure is part of efforts to develop the St Janani Luwum site into a spiritual and tourist destination, promoting the legacy of the slain prelate and boosting the local economy.
The government declared February 16, the day St Janani Luwum was killed a public holiday, with celebrations taking place annually at Wigweng. This year’s celebration will be held under the theme “Anchor in Christ for Stability, Peace, and Unity,” taken from Ephesians 2:14-17.
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