Govt takes over funeral programme of Janan Luwum’s widow

Government has revealed plans to handle funeral arrangements of Late Mary Luwum, 93, the widow of former Archbishop Janani Luwum.(PHOTO/Archives)

KAMPALA – Government has announced that it will foot all bills involved in the burial of the widow of former Archbishop Janani Luwum.

Mary Luwum died on Tuesday, August 7, at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) following a battle with cancer of the gallbladder. She was 93 years old.

The Director of Ethics and Religious Affairs in the Office of the President, Rev Canon Aaron Mwesigye, revealed that government will take over the funeral arrangements starting with funeral service at Church of the Resurrection in Bugolobi, Kampala, on Wednesday, and her burial in Wii Gweng village, Mucwini Sub County, Kitgum district on Thursday, August 15.

Rev. Canon Mwesigye urged Christians to pick lessons from the life and times of Mary Luwum brought to the earth.

Ben Luwum, the deceased’s first son, said the life of their late mother should be celebrated.

He explained that Mary Luwum was transferred from Yot Kom Hospital in Kitgum district for treatment in Mulago Hospital in June this year from where she was later referred to the Uganda Heart Institute. She was cleared of heart complications and referred for surgery for two weeks.

Luwum says she was diagnosed with gall bladder stones which obstructed the proper functioning of her gall bladder.

“She was then referred to IHK where the equipment for removing the stones was available. After two separate operations, she was diagnosed with gall bladder Cancer which later claimed her life,” Luwum explained.

Church of Uganda Archbishop Stanley Ntagali described Mary Luwum as a strong pillar of the church.

“Mama Mary has been a faithful witness to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for many years. Like her husband, her testimony has inspired many and will live on. We commend her to her Lord and pray for their family and all who grieve her passing,” he said.

“Mama Mary Luwum will be remembered as not being ashamed of the Gospel. She supported her husband’s decision to not flee Uganda when threatened by then-President Idi Amin. That decision ultimately led to his martyrdom on 16th February 1977. In the 42 years following her husband’s assassination, she continued to dedicate her life to preaching the Gospel and supporting the social-economic growth of the Church of Uganda,” he added.