With deep regret, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali has announced the death of Mama Mary Luwum, the wife of Church of Uganda’s martyred Archbishop Janani Luwum.
Mama Mary Luwum died at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 6th August at International Hospital Kampala (IHK), following a courageous battle with cancer of the gallbladder. She was 93 years old and is survived by six children and many grandchildren.
Archbishop Ntagali said, “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.”
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.
The Church of Uganda’s recently dedicated Janani Luwum Church House commercial building on Kampala Road in Kampala is named after her husband. They shared a common vision for a self-sustaining and spiritually vibrant church.
In 2015 His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, declared 16th February to be a public holiday in memory of Archbishop Janani Luwum’s martyrdom and his faithful and sacrificial service to the church and the country.
Burial arrangements are underway and will be communicated in due course.
