Janani Jakaliya Luwum, Ugandan archbishop killed by Idi Amin, honored with public holiday
anani Jakaliya Luwum, an Anglican archbishop recognized as a martyr, was honored by a public holiday celebrating his life and ministry in Uganda on February 16.
Luwum challenged dictator Idi Amin to put an end to extrajudicial killings, political repression, corruption, and ethnic persecution. Amin ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, during which time human rights groups estimate that 100,000 to 500,000 people were killed.
Luwum was arrested on February 16, 1977, along with two cabinet ministers; authorities said the men died in a car accident. Reports suggest that Amin ordered the deaths and state that there were bullets in the bodies of the three men when they were released to relatives.
