Archbishop Janani Luwum Day

Janani Luwum (1922-1977) was the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire. He was born in Mucwini, Kitgum District, Uganda. Luwum became the first African archbishop of the Church of Uganda in 1974.

Janani Luwum gained international recognition for his courageous stand against the human rights abuses and tyranny of Ugandan President Idi Amin. Luwum spoke out against Amin’s regime and its violations of human rights, including the arbitrary arrests and killings of political opponents and civilians.

On February 16, 1977, Archbishop Janani Luwum was arrested on false charges of plotting to overthrow the government. He, along with two government officials, was reported to have been killed while in custody. The official government statement claimed that they died in a car accident while attempting to escape, but it was widely believed that they were murdered.

Luwum’s death drew international condemnation and became a symbol of resistance against Amin’s oppressive regime. His legacy lives on as a symbol of courage and resistance against injustice. Every year, on February 16, Ugandans commemorate the life and sacrifice of Archbishop Janani Luwum.