Rubirizi/Kitagwenda – Rev. Father Fabias Bainakanama, Parish Priest of Nyakasura Parish in Kitagwenda District, has called on parents to stop having more children than they can care for and to end domestic violence in homes.
Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass organized by St. Joseph’s High School Rubirizi in Kabete Ward, Ndekye Town, to mark the end of Term One and celebrate the school’s feast day, Fr. Bainakanama warned that reckless parenting and family conflict are fueling poverty and poor school performance. “Parents should stop giving birth to children they cannot look after or provide for. I urge the men of Rubirizi to stop mistreating their wives. This has led to domestic violence, poverty, and children dropping out of school, which is very bad,” he said.
He noted that religious leaders are handling cases of men who batter their wives, but added that some women in Rubirizi also beat their husbands, which he described as shameful and harmful to the family. He blamed alcohol, drug abuse, laziness, and HIV for rising family instability, hatred, and violence. “Parents should have a manageable number of children they can raise well. Couples should pray together, raise children with love, and care for them,” he added.
Dr. Nahamya Wilfred, Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board and one of the founders of St. Joseph’s High School Rubirizi, urged parents, teachers, and children to embrace vocational skills training so that every child learns a practical trade for self-reliance.
Dr. Nahamya said many children in Rubirizi were dropping out due to long distances and lack of access to quality schools. He explained that he helped start St. Joseph’s High School mainly to end ignorance and illiteracy and improve education standards. “The community lacked education. Bringing a standard school closer to them will greatly help their academic performance without disruption, because many children were walking long distances or failing to find a place to study,” he said.
Meanwhile, Byagaba Benedicto, headteacher of St. Joseph’s High School Rubirizi, called on parents to closely monitor and safeguard their children during the holiday, especially protecting girls from teenage pregnancy and HIV infection.
He emphasized the value of educating girls, describing them as a blessing and an investment in the family. “When you educate a girl child, you educate the nation,” Byagaba said. He asked parents to take responsibility for their children’s schooling, provide their needs, and instill discipline, love, and religion so that children grow up with good morals and fear of God.
Reported By: Tugume Muzafaru
Contact: +256 702 269259.
