KISORO: As the nation commemorates Janani Luwum Day, Bishop of Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro District, the Rt Rev Geoffrey Mbitse has urged Christians to deepen their faith in God.
Janani Luwum, the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was tragically murdered on this day in 1977 by the orders of then-president Idi Amin Dada, alongside former Inspector of Police Wilson Erinayo and former Defense Minister Oboth Ofumbi, for daring to speak out against the injustices of the regime.
During a sermon at St. Andrews Cathedral Seseme in Kisoro municipality, Bishop Mbitse emphasized the importance of walking in the truth of God to navigate the challenges of the world, rather than being consumed by worldly pursuits.
Bishop Mbitse also encouraged Christians to prioritize prayer over mere fasting, especially as the Lenten period enters its fifth day.
CUE IN BISHOP MBITSE ON CHRISTIANS…RR//
Archbishop Janani Luwum was born in 1924 in Mucwini, Chua in Kitgum District to Eliya Okello and Aireni Aciro. He was educated in Gulu High School and trained as a teacher at Boroboro Teachers College, Lira.
He accepted Christ as his personal Saviour in 1948 when he was a teacher through the guidance and inspiration by late Evangelist Yusto Amato Otunnu, and his wife Josephine, parents of Ambassador Olara Otunnu. Luwum’s conversion so totally changed his life that the leadership of the Chosen Evangelical Revival (CER) movement encouraged and supported him to train for the ordained ministry.
Luwum rose through the ranks and worked as a parish priest, chaplain in institutions of learning, tutor, principal, provincial secretary, Bishop of Northern Uganda Diocese, Archbishop of the Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire before he was martyred in 1977.
On the February 16, 1977, Archbishop Luwum was martyred at Nakasero, Kampala by the regime of then president Idi Amin Dada. His body was taken to the church yard at Wii Gweng, Mucwini, on February 19, 1977, where he was later buried.
