Janani Luwum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Janani Luwum |
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| Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Primate of the Anglican Church in Uganda |
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| Church | Anglican Communion |
| See | Kampala |
| In Office | 1974–1977 |
| Predecessor | Erica Sabiti |
| Successor | Silvanus Wani |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1953 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1922 Kitgum District, British Uganda |
| Died | 16 February 1977 (aged 55) Kampala, Second Republic of Uganda |
| Spouse | Mary Luwum (died 2019 at 93 years) |
| Previous post | Anglican Church Province of northern Uganda, Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire Bishop |
Janani Jakaliya Luwum was an important leader in the Anglican Church in Africa. He served as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977.
Archbishop Luwum was arrested in February 1977 and died soon after. While the government said he died in a car crash, most people believe he was murdered. This happened because he spoke out against the government of President Idi Amin.
Since 2015, Uganda celebrates a public holiday on February 16th. This day honors the life and bravery of Janani Luwum.
Contents
Early Life and Faith
Janani Luwum was born around 1922 in a village called Mucwini. This village is in the Kitgum District of Uganda. His parents were from the Acholi community.
He went to Gulu High School and later to Boroboro Teacher Training College. After finishing his studies, he worked as a teacher in a primary school. In 1948, Luwum became a Christian. The next year, he began studying at Buwalasi Theological College to prepare for church service.
His Church Career
In 1950, Janani Luwum started working at St. Philip's Church in Gulu. He became a deacon in 1953. A deacon is a church helper. The next year, he became a priest. A priest is a leader who can perform church ceremonies.
He worked in different parts of Uganda. In 1969, he became a Bishop for the Diocese of Northern Uganda. A bishop is a senior church leader who oversees many churches in a region.
Five years later, in 1974, he was chosen for a very important role. He became the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga (in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo). He was only the second African to hold this high position.
Standing Up to Power
Archbishop Luwum was a strong voice against the government of Idi Amin. Amin became president in 1971. His government was known for many killings and people disappearing without explanation.
In 1977, Archbishop Luwum wrote a letter of protest to President Amin. He spoke out against the unfair killings and disappearances. Soon after, the archbishop and other church leaders were accused of treason. Treason means trying to betray or overthrow your country's government.
On February 16, 1977, Luwum was arrested. Two government ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi, were also arrested. That same day, Idi Amin held a public meeting in Kampala. The three arrested men were there. Other people were forced to say things that made the three men look guilty. The archbishop was accused of working with the former president, Milton Obote, and planning a coup. A coup is a sudden, illegal takeover of the government.
The next day, Radio Uganda announced that the three men had died. They claimed the men died in a car crash while trying to escape. However, when Luwum's body was given to his family, it had bullet wounds. Many people believe he was murdered on President Amin's orders.
His Lasting Legacy
Janani Luwum left behind his wife, Mary Lawinyo Luwum, and nine children. He was buried in his home village of Mucwini.
Archbishop Luwum is remembered as a martyr by the Anglican Communion. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. His statue is placed among other important martyrs at Westminster Abbey in London.
He is honored on special days by Anglican churches around the world. These days are usually on June 3rd or February 17th.
Archbishop Janani Luwum Day
Archbishop Janani Luwum Day is a public holiday in Uganda. It is celebrated every year on February 16th. This holiday honors the life and service of Janani Luwum. He is remembered for his courage and for standing up for what was right.
See Also
- Bishop of Uganda
- Namirembe
