President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned against authoritarian leadership, saying leaders must never impose themselves on citizens through intimidation or force, as he led Ugandans in commemorating the 49th anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum’s martyrdom in Kitgum District.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, joined thousands of believers and pilgrims at the national event held under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Stability, Peace and Unity” (Ephesians 2:14–17).
The commemoration began with a main church service before the President and the First Lady laid wreaths at Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, the burial site of Archbishop Luwum and his wife, Mama Mary Lawil Luwum.
St. Janani Luwum Day, observed every February 16, honours the Archbishop who was killed in 1977 after openly condemning human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests and killings during the regime of former dictator Idi Amin.
In his address, President Museveni said Ugandans had gathered not only to honour Luwum’s unwavering faith and courage, but also to reflect on the dangers of dictatorship.
He described Amin’s first major mistake as taking power through the 1971 military coup, arguing that leaders should persuade citizens through service delivery rather than force.
President Museveni recalled learning about the coup on January 25, 1971, while preparing to go to work from his residence in Kireka, where he was then serving as a research assistant in the President’s Office. He said he immediately contacted student leaders and resolved not to accept the new regime.
Within two days, he withdrew money from the bank and left for Tanzania with four others to begin organising resistance.
“Amin ruled me only for a few hours,” Museveni said, emphasising that leadership must be based on good works and legitimacy, not coercion.
He warned that any leader who governs through intimidation mirrors Amin’s failures, adding that biblical teaching requires leaders to let their good deeds shine before others.
The President also described Amin’s second major mistake as relying on killings to silence opponents. While acknowledging Uganda’s history of armed struggle, Museveni said he has consistently rejected assassinations and attacks on individuals outside the battlefield.
He cited an incident where he declined a proposal to assassinate then army commander Oyite Ojok at his home, insisting that such acts would amount to cowardice.
“Even in war, the cause and the methods must be right,” Museveni said.
He noted that those responsible for atrocities during Amin’s rule ultimately failed, saying the sacrifices of leaders such as Archbishop Luwum and former Chief Justice Ben Kiwanuka were not in vain.
Turning to development, Museveni thanked the people of Northern Uganda for their political support, attributing it to sustained government investments in infrastructure and service delivery.
He pointed to the extension of electricity beyond Lira, improved roads, schools, health centres and access to clean water, which he said helped eliminate diseases such as guinea worm.
He said national efforts to move households into the money economy have reduced poverty, citing government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, which targets households still outside the cash economy.
The President also pledged to address reports of cattle rustling in East Acholi, saying the issue would receive his personal attention.
During the ceremony, Museveni also fulfilled his pledge of Shs60 million to the priests of Kitgum Diocese.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, welcomed pilgrims and believers from across the country, saying the Church continues to celebrate Luwum’s legacy as a symbol of faith and justice.
He highlighted institutions named after Luwum, including churches and schools across Uganda, and said the commemoration is not only about an individual but about the values he stood for.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Olwa, commended organisers for a successful event and urged Ugandans to draw renewed courage and unity as the country approaches the golden jubilee of Luwum’s martyrdom.
Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, congratulated President Museveni on his recent electoral victory and praised Northern Uganda for overwhelmingly supporting him. She also revealed plans to develop the Janani Luwum site into an international pilgrimage centre, noting that a master plan is already in place and projects such as a primary school, hospital and administrative block are being prepared.
Kitgum District Woman MP and Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, praised Luwum’s enduring moral influence, particularly among the Acholi people, and credited government programmes for restoring peace and enabling development in the region after years of insurgency.
The commemoration drew Ministers, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and worshippers from across Uganda, with prayers and sermons reinforcing Archbishop Luwum’s message of courage, reconciliation, peace and unity.
