Members of Parliament have called on Government to intervene in making the commemoration of Janani Luwum a major national event that can draw the attention of all Ugandans.
The matter, raised by Dokolo Woman MP Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, came ahead of celebrations held in Mucwini in Kitgum District on Friday 16th February 2018 to commemorate the life and achievements of Archbishop Janani Luwum.
During the Prime Minister question time in a Plenary session on Wednesday, 15th February 2018, Hon. Ogwal asked the Premier, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, to substantiate on whether the event was being facilitated by the office of the President or not.
”Has the event been called because it is being held in Mucwini in Kitgum; or was it moved as proposed that they rotate it like other national events?” asked Hon. Ogwal.
In response, the Prime Minister noted Janani Luwum Day as a national event to be commemorated by all Ugandans and foreigners, adding that a national organizing committee had been tasked to handle the day’s preparations.
“All of us know the grotesque manner in which Janani Luwum lost his life as a freedom fighter. We know that his death galvanized the resistance against dictatorship in Uganda,” noted Premier Rugunda.
Hon. Ogwal made mention of the specific area from where to celebrate the event annually saying, “Janani Luwum’s remains are in Mucwini just like the remains of the Uganda Martyrs are at Namugongo, and we feel that by going there, we are not only remembering his death, but also spiritually interceding for the country.”
The Prime Minister noted that since the remains of the fallen Archbishop lay in Mucwini, it was only fair that Ugandans would pay their respects and get inspiration from being in the place where he was put to rest.
He also highlighted plans to further appreciate Janani Luwum’s contribution to Uganda saying “There are grand plans to build a monument and redo his grave so that it becomes another center for Ugandans to rededicate themselves.”
In 2016, President Yoweri Museveni declared February 16th a public holiday in memory of Archbishop Janani Luwum, who was the second African Archbishop of the Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire.
Source: Parliamentary News