In a heartfelt address at Queen of Martyrs Secondary School in Kigoma, Wakiso District, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala called on schools to take decisive action to curb the growing trend of student strikes. Speaking during a morning prayer session, the Archbishop emphasized the need for spiritual and moral guidance to address the underlying issues driving such behavior.
A Call for Spiritual Reflection and Support
Archbishop Ssemogerere urged students to use the Lenten season as an opportunity to draw closer to God and reflect on their actions. He also encouraged them to support their peers who may be struggling with poverty or other challenges.
“This Lenten season is a time for us to return to the Lord and seek His guidance. Let us also extend a helping hand to those in need, especially our fellow students who may be facing difficulties,” he said.
The Archbishop’s message resonated with the students and staff, who have been grappling with the recent wave of strikes in schools across the country.
Government Officials Echo the Call
Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the State Minister for Kampala, also attended the event and echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments. He called on men to embrace the values of Kabaka (King) Mutebi II, particularly the importance of being responsible and protecting the girl child. Kyofatogabye emphasized the role of parents in instilling discipline and moral values in their children.
“As parents, we must take responsibility for shaping the behavior of our children. Let us work together to eliminate negative influences and guide them towards a brighter future,” the Minister said.
Concerns Over Rising Cases of Strikes
Minister Kyofatogabye expressed concern over the increasing incidents of student strikes, which he attributed to a lack of proper guidance and moral upbringing. He urged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives and to address any signs of misconduct early.
Some parents, however, expressed frustration with the government’s inability to effectively address the issue. They argued that the root causes of student strikes, such as poor school management and inadequate facilities, require more than just parental intervention.
“We have lost hope in the government’s ability to help us. The strikes are a symptom of deeper problems in our education system, and we need comprehensive solutions,” one parent said.
A Collective Effort Needed
Both the Archbishop and the Minister emphasized the importance of a collective effort to address the challenges facing students. They called on parents, teachers, and school administrators to work together to create a supportive environment for learning and personal growth.
Parents were also encouraged to take proactive steps to guide their children, including open communication and instilling values such as respect, discipline, and responsibility.
Conclusion
The event at Queen of Martyrs Secondary School highlighted the urgent need to address the rising cases of student strikes in Uganda. With spiritual guidance, government intervention, and parental involvement, stakeholders hope to create a more conducive environment for students to thrive academically and morally.
As the Lenten season continues, the call for reflection and collective action serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to nurture the next generation and address the challenges they face.
