As Uganda marked the 49th anniversary of the death of Janani Jakaliya Luwum, outspoken cleric Gaetano Batanyenda has described the fallen archbishop as a courageous shepherd who united Ugandans across denominational lines.

Speaking in an interview with NBS, Fr Gaetano said Luwum played a critical role in fostering unity and standing for truth during one of the country's most turbulent political periods.

"He was a good shepherd who brought people together regardless of their denomination," Gaetano said. "Many politicians hated Luwum for his truth, and that is why he was killed."

Luwum, the third Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was arrested on February 16, 1977, on the orders of then president Idi Amin.

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The government at the time claimed he died in a car crash, but it is widely accepted that he was shot dead on Amin's orders after speaking out against human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

Batanyenda described Luwum as a martyr who paid the ultimate price for defending justice and human dignity.

He urged Ugandans to commemorate the day in a more meaningful way beyond annual national celebrations.

"We should not only stop at celebrating and talking about Luwum on just one day. Government should come up with a programme of celebrating him every day," he said.

Uganda commemorates Archbishop Luwum every February 16 in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.

This year's celebrations are being held in Kitgum District, drawing pilgrims, religious leaders and government officials from across the country.

Nearly five decades after his death, Luwum is honoured globally as a Christian martyr. His legacy extends beyond Uganda, with a statue in his memory at Westminster Abbey in London.

National prayers, pilgrimages to Mucwini in Kitgum, and community events continue to celebrate his enduring witness and the values of truth, unity and justice he stood for.