During the dark days of the reign of terror of President Idi Amin Dada, most Ugandans lived in fear and dared not stand up to the dictator, and those who tried disappeared never to be seen again or turned up dead.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Janani Luwum stood up against Amin’s dictatorial regime and paid with his life. The archbishop was brutally killed on the orders of Amin.
He was archbishop from 1974 to 1977 and one of the most influential leaders of the modern church in Africa.
Archbishop Luwum was a leading voice in criticising the excesses of the Idi Amin regime.
His story has been immortalised in a new Ugandan film, “Janani: The Last Stand,” by Matt Bish.
In the 90-minute biopic drama, Peter Odeke plays the celebrated Anglican cleric, Melanie Agutu plays Mary Luwum and Alele Ayub plays Amin.
The film explores the archbishop’s last meeting with Amin before his death. The archbishop, who had been rescuing unjustly convicted people, sent a letter criticising the government for atrocities infuriating the president and his henchmen, who accused him of treason.
On February 16, 1977, Luwum was arrested together with two Cabinet ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi.
They died shortly after. Although the official account describes a “car crash,” it is generally believed that they were killed on the orders of Amin.
When Luwum’s body was released to his relatives, it was riddled with bullets. Henry Kyemba, minister of health in Amin’s government, later wrote in his book, A State of Blood: “The archbishop had been shot through the mouth and at least three bullets in the chest. The ministers had been shot in a similar way but one only in the chest and not through the mouth. Oryema had a bullet wound through the leg.”
Janan Luwum burial site. The first African martyr of the 20th century was named Archbishop Janani Luwum by the Canterbury Cathedral/Church of Uganda in 1978.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
The captivating storyline is a powerful exploration of the price of ambition and the healing power of love and redemption.
Luwum was a courageous leader who stood for justice and freedom for the people of Uganda during the oppressive regime of Amin.
His unwavering commitment to speaking out against human rights abuses and advocating for the oppressed made him a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
Despite facing threats and persecution, Luwum remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to champion the rights of the people.
His legacy serves as an inspiration for all those who continue to fight for justice and freedom in the face of adversity. Archbishop Janani Luwum Day is an annual public holiday in Uganda, celebrated on February 16.
“Janani: The Last Stand” premiered on December 7, 2024 at Century Cinemax in Kampala.
