13 Facts About Janani Luwum

Janani Luwum was the archbishop of the Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1977 and one of the most influential leaders of the modern church in Africa.

Janani Luwum was arrested in February 1977 and died shortly after.

Janani Luwum was born in the village of Mucwini in the Kitgum District to Acholi parents.

Janani Luwum attended Gulu High School and Boroboro Teacher Training College, after which he taught at a primary school.

Janani Luwum converted to Christianity in 1948, and in 1949 he went to Buwalasi Theological College.

Janani Luwum was ordained a deacon in 1953, and the following year he was ordained a priest.

Janani Luwum served in the Upper Nile Diocese of Uganda and later in the Diocese of Mbale.

Archbishop Janani Luwum was a leading voice in criticising the excesses of the Idi Amin regime that assumed power in 1971.

On 16 February 1977, Janani Luwum was arrested together with two cabinet ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi.

When Janani Luwum's body was released to his relatives, it was riddled with bullets.

Janani Luwum was survived by his widow, Mary Lawinyo Luwum and nine children.

Janani Luwum was buried at his home village of Mucwini in the Kitgum District.

Archbishop Janani Luwum is recognized as a martyr by the Anglican Communion and his statue is among the Twentieth Century Martyrs on the front of Westminster Abbey in London.