Parliament has paid tribute to Mary Luwum, widow of former Archbishop of the Anglican Church Janani Luwum.
Mary died last week at Kampala International Hospital where she had been diagnosed with adrenal cancer, 42 years after her husband’s death.
Archbishop Luwum was killed by former President Idi Amin for criticising some of his policies including arbitrary killings and unexplained disappearances.
On Thursday Mary’s body was brought to the floor of Parliament where MPs and the public paid their last respects.
Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Ruganda described her as ‘a woman who was courageous.’
“We are celebrating the life of this distinguished lady who was able to stand by and sustain her husband during the turbulent times. We salute her courage, her leadership and her capacity to be able to sustain the family,” said Rugunda.
Government’s Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said Mary was worthy to be respected by the state due to her contribution to the country.
“Being the widow to Janani Luwum puts her in the position to be honoured,” she said.
The Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Mary Karooro Okurut described her as an African woman who stood of storms of politics.
“She was an epitome of an African resilient woman that was battered by the storms of life however she stayed strong and upright,” she added.
Last week, Archbishop Stanley 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.”
Her body will be buried on Saturday, August 17 in Kitgum District.
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