By Willy Chowoo
Kitgum
As Uganda moves toward the 2026 general elections, religious leaders have called for peace, dialogue, and forgiveness to prevent a return to violence and authoritarian rule. Their message comes against the backdrop of growing political tensions in the country.
The Anglican Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu made the call while speaking at the 48th commemoration of St. Janani Luwum’s Day at Wii Gweng, Kitgum District, on February 16, 2025
He urged Ugandans to embrace unity and peace, following the example of Archbishop Janani Luwum, who sacrificed his life in the fight against dictatorship.
Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized that Uganda must promote peace, dialogue, and forgiveness, especially as the country prepares for the elections. He warned that failure to do so could lead to political instability reminiscent of Idi Amin’s brutal regime in the 1970s. He further urged the government to consider the health condition of political prisoners, including opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is currently detained at Luzira Prison.
Dr. Besigye, who was abducted in November 2024 from Kenya and charged with illegal possession of firearms and treachery, is reported to be in serious health condition, suffering from hypertension and in urgent need of medical attention.
As we remember Archbishop Janani Luwum, let us extend the values he stood for—truth, justice, and forgiveness. said Archbishop Kaziimba.
Voice1: Archbishop Kiziimba talking about dialogue and fair treatment of political prisoners in Uganda
The Emeritus Bishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Dr. John Baptist Odama, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Archbishop Luwum was a victim of state violence. He called on Ugandans to unite against political oppression and build a society free of hatred and conflict.
Ugandans must come together with clear resolutions to say: ‘No more violence.’ We must promote unity and recognize each other as human beings,” Bishop Odama said.
Voice2: Bishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese , Dr. John Baptist Odama speaking about a country free of violence as the country gears towards 2026 polls.
The Chief Justice of Uganda, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi, also weighed in, calling for a national dialogue to foster reconciliation and reduce political tensions. He stressed that constructive dialogue could help Uganda overcome its history of political violence.
Voice3: The Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny- Dollo Chigamoi speaking about the needs for national dialogue
Archbishop Kaziimba also urges those seeking political office in the 2026 elections to refrain from divisive politics that fuel societal conflicts, and instead, promote forgiveness and reconciliation.
Voice4: Archbishop Kaziimba talking promoting peace, unity and reconciliation during election times
Tributes to Archbishop Janani Luwum
President Yoweri Museveni paid tribute to Archbishop Janani Luwum, describing him as a courageous leader who stood against Idi Amin’s corrupt and oppressive regime.
In a message read for him by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabajja, President Museveni described Archbishop Luwum as an influential leader who walked the talk. His courage in the face of dictatorship is an inspiration to all Ugandans,” President Museveni said.
Archbishop Kaziimba also praised Luwum’s legacy, calling him a fearless leader who upheld biblical values and fought for justice. He noted that Luwum had a vision for a self-sustaining Church and laid the foundation for the construction of Church House to reduce donor dependence.
Archbishop Luwum was committed to building governance within the Church. He strongly believed in training ministers and promoting self-reliance,” Archbishop Kaziimba added. The Bishop of Ankole, The Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, also urged Church leaders to emulate Archbishop Luwum’s dedication to integrity and development.
Archbishop Luwum was not corrupt. He stood for the Church and wanted it to be independent. Church leaders today must rise up and develop the Church, just as he envisioned,” Bishop Mwesigwa said.
Church Growth Since Luwum’s Time
Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted the remarkable growth of the Church of Uganda since Luwum’s time. Today, the Church runs: -5,200 primary schools – 630 secondary schools – 60 vocational institutions – 5 chartered universities – 487 health facilities, including hospitals. These developments, he said, are a testament to Archbishop Luwum’s vision of an independent and service-oriented Church.
The Murder of Archbishop Janani Luwum
Archbishop Janani Luwum, the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was brutally murdered on February 16, 1977, in Kampala under the orders of President Idi Amin. Reports indicate that Amin personally shot Luwum, marking a dark chapter in Uganda’s history.
Days before his assassination, Archbishop Luwum and 17 other Anglican bishops had written a letter to Amin, condemning the ongoing killings and disappearances of Ugandans. This bold act of defiance, signed on February 8, 1977, is believed to have sealed his fate.
The former Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda, Rt. Rev. Benoni Ogwal-Abwang, was among the 17 bishops who wrote a protest letter to President Idi Amin in 1977, condemning human rights abuses. He later recounted his experiences during Amin’s regime
Voice5: Bishop Emeritus The Rt Rev Binoni Ogwal-Abwang recounted the harrowing experiences faced by church leader
Following his murder, Luwum was denied a state burial and was secretly laid to rest at St. Paul Church of Uganda, Wii Gweng, Mucwini Subcounty, Kitgum District.
However, in 2015, the Ugandan government declared February 16 a public holiday in honor of Archbishop Janani Luwum. Since then, annual celebrations have been held at his ancestral home to commemorate his legacy as a martyr of faith and resistance. His bravery continues to inspire Ugandans, with religious leaders calling on the nation to honor his sacrifice by rejecting violence and embracing peace and reconciliation.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the call from bishops and religious leaders is clear: Ugandans must choose dialogue over violence, forgiveness over revenge, and unity over division. The legacy of Archbishop Janani Luwum remains a powerful reminder of the cost of standing up for truth and justice—and the importance of protecting peace in Uganda.
