By Rehema Naggujja
The Kampala Lordmayor, Erias Lukwago believes that it’s time for Uganda to consider broadening the scope and significance of February 16, the former Archbishop Jonan Luwum day. He says similar mysterious assassinations that have happened since independence should also be commemorated on this day
Among the people Lukwago highlighted to be celebrated like heroin is former chief justice Benedicto Kiwanuka who was murdered and his grave is not known.
“….these may inter-alia include Benedicto Kiwanuka, the first chief Minister and first black chief justice, Andrew Lutaakome Kayira, the two minsters that were killed alongside janan Luwum, Hon Africano ssembatya, Hon ssebuggwawo, Innocent ugandans who were roasted in a train wagon in Mukula, Teso, the many souls annihilated in the kaseese Massacres, Barlonyo, Bucolo, Luwero, those who were senselessly killed during the Buganda protests of 2009, Doctor Besigye’s supporters at Bulange, Murder of Bobiwine’s supporters in 2020, Muslim sheiks among others….” Lukwago said
Lukwago stressed that the principal significance of this day is to not only pray for the departed soul of Archbishop Janan Luwum and celebrate his towering legacy but also rue and reminisce on the senseless state inspired bloodbath this beautiful country has witnessed since independence.
He also sent a reminder to the government that extra_judicial killings and atrocities that are being committed by them today will define their legacy
Jonan Luwum was a political icon and archbishop of the church of Uganda whose heroism galvanized efforts to oust the dictatorial regime of Idi Amin Dada. He was one the most influential leaders of the modern church in Africa around 1974 to 1977
Archbishop Jonan Luwum was born in 1922 in kitgum and was killed on 17th February 1977 for his strong criticism towards president Idi Amin’s regime.
