By Jesse Johnson James Muto
At least 41 pilgrims have joined the St. Janani Luwum’s pilgrimage from Gulu town to Mucwini, Kitgum district. Of these 28 joined from Koro Sub County in Omoro district while 13 joined from the Christ Church Parish in Gulu town.
The new pilgrims joined the 75 who started their journey from Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala on January 28. Our reporter interacted with some of the pilgrims who explained why they are participating in the 510km journey. Beatrice Anyeko, 35, is from Paibona in Aswa county. She says she is walking in the journey of faith for God to help her children.
“I have been facing a lot of challenges in terms of paying my five children in school,’’ Anyeko said. ‘‘I decided to walk while praying to God to help provide for me so I can be able to raise my children.’’
Anyeko revealed the pilgrimage has been a unifier by bringing together people from different faiths.
Akello, 27, is a single mother of four and is walking with two of her children. She is participating in the pilgrimage to pray to God to get her well-wishers who can pay her children to school.
“My first-born boy, Emmanuel Lubanagkene, 8, didn’t study last year since there was no money to pay him in school for his primary five. So, I am praying to God to let some good Samaritans pay my children in school,” Akello said.
Akello said she and her children are determined to complete the journey.
Rev. Patrick Lumumba, the Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Northern Uganda says the legacy of Archbishop St. Janani Luwum is an inspiration to Christians.
“St. Janani Luwum gave his live for everyone due to his love for human rights and I call upon everyone to turn up in big number on February 16 at Wii –Gweng in Mucwini,’’ said Rev Patrick Lumumba.
The pilgrims spent their Monday night in Cwero sub county in Gulu and proceeded Monday morning towards Kitgum.
Archbishop Luwum was murdered on February 16, 1977 at Nakasero by Uganda president Idi Amin.
Luwum was head of the Anglican ecclesiastical province, then composed of four countries (Burundi, Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Uganda).
The pilgrims have passed through Luweero, Kigumba, Karuma, Kamdini and are now on the last stretch of the 510km journey from Gulu- Kitgum and eventually to Madi Opei and then to Wii- Gweng.
The pilgrims will arrive at Wii Gweng, Mucwini, on 14 February, where the annual commemoration of St Janani Luwum Day takes place at Wii Gweng on 16 February.
