Kitgum seeks prayer arena at Janani Luwum memorial site

What the report says

The local organising committee for the 50th anniversary of St Janani Luwum has asked Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu to help mobilise government and other partners to develop the martyr’s memorial site in Kitgum, including building a prayer arena. The appeal was made during the Archbishop’s farewell visit to Kitgum Diocese, with committee chair Can. Gladys Oyat saying the project should be part of his legacy before his retirement in 2027.

Oyat said the arena is a priority for Christians in the area and would provide a permanent place for prayer and remembrance of Luwum, the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda who was killed in 1977. She also linked the request to preparations for the golden jubilee commemoration planned for January 16, 2027, and urged the Archbishop to use his influence to draw in government support and well-wishers.

Speaking at the same event, Justus Rubarema, Assistant Commissioner for Religious Affairs, said national planning for the anniversary is already under way, with a committee holding regular meetings in Kampala and coordinating with local teams in Kitgum. He said government sees potential for religious tourism at the Mucwini site and that an inter-ministerial technical team has already visited the area. A final master plan for the site is under review, according to the report.

Luwum, who was murdered in 1977 under Idi Amin’s rule after criticizing abuses, is remembered annually at his burial site in Wii-Gweng, Mucwini, which is already a place of pilgrimage.