The pilgrimage to commemorate St. Janani Luwum’s 45th anniversary will begin from Gulu city on Saturday, February 12th.
Before the covid-19 pandemic, Christians from all regions across the country converged at the place of St. Janani Luwum’s place of arrest in Namirembe Cathedral, where they begin their walk of faith weeks earlier, until they reach Luwum’s final resting place in Wii-Gweng in Mucwini, Kitgum district.
However, over the last two years, the pilgrimage has been affected by the covid-19 pandemic, which also forced the occasion to be celebrated scientifically last year.
This year, national and local organizing committees of the commemoration had planned that celebrations be done in Kampala and Kitgum, while each diocese holds its own event.
However, on Tuesday the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu told the local organizing committee in Kitgum that the event will only be hosted in Kitgum.
Rev Canon Patrick Obonyo the Diocesan Secretary of Kitgum Diocese, says because of the change of plans, the pilgrimage will start from Gulu City.
Rev Can. Obonyo says the pilgrims will make the first stop in Cwero on February 12 and will proceed to, Lacekocot in Atanga sub-county on February 13, and walk the final lap to Kitgum town parish on 14 and reach Mucwini on February 15th.
Rev. Can. Obonyo says a few representatives will travel from Kitgum to Gulu City and arrive there on February 11, and start the pilgrimage the following day.
He says other Christians from other parishes in Kitgum diocese such as; Agoro, Adilang Puranga, will move directly from their parishes to Wii Gweng, while informing other pilgrims where they have reached. He expects the number of pilgrims to reach 500.
Although he is not yet sure of the chief guest of the memorial, they expect more than 3,000 people from Kampala and 2,000 people from within the region to attend the event.
He says despite the sudden change of plan that Kitgum hosts the whole event, the Diocese of Kitgum and the community have been well organized for the event to be successful.
Rev. Canon Obonyo however asked Christians to carry and use their masks, to protect themselves against the coronavirus pandemic.
Jackson Omona, the chairperson of the local organizing committee of the memorial, says the first main event within the commemoration will be intercession, which will start today, February 10th at Wii-Gweng, till 15th.
Other events will be mission work in the different parishes for at least five days and a crusade from 15th and 16th evening then the day after the main celebration.
Omona asked all members of the community to cancel all gatherings with the aim of entertainment around the venue during the days of the days dedicated to celebrating St. Janani Luwum.
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