Compiled by Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi
KATERERA – The Archdeacon of Rugando Archdeaconry, Ven. Rev. Joab Akankunda, has urged pupils to stop complaining and become exemplary in their daily lives. He encouraged them to be role models in speech, love, faith, behaviour and character, while maintaining discipline in their studies if they want to become useful people in the future.
Ven. Rev. Akankunda made the remarks today while leading the church service for Education Sunday at Rugando Archdeaconry. The service was organised by pupils, teachers and parents of Rugando II Primary School in Katerera Town Council, with the aim of raising funds for the construction of teachers’ houses. More than UGX 5 million was reportedly collected in cash.
According to Rev. Akankunda, many pupils are given opportunities to study but lack self-confidence and belief in their abilities and personal growth. He noted that this has contributed to some learners failing examinations and losing opportunities to achieve their ambitions.
He urged pupils to respect their parents and avoid causing them unnecessary stress, instead embracing good manners, love and respect. He further warned them against drug abuse, sexual abuse, bad peer groups and early marriages, saying such practices can destroy their future at a young age.
The cleric called upon pupils to take their education seriously and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future, including laziness, disobedience and immoral conduct. He also urged parents to support their children, pray for them and work closely with teachers to ensure they grow up with discipline and in the fear of God.
Meanwhile, Hon. Agaba Jucinta, the female councillor representing Nyakagyezi Ward in Katerera Town Council, called upon parents to take a leading role in supporting their children’s education by providing scholastic materials, guidance and other necessities.
She noted that many children were struggling academically not because they lacked intelligence, but because some parents had neglected their responsibilities. She encouraged parents to make time to talk to their children, check their books, guide them at home and pray for them rather than leaving all the responsibility to teachers.
Hon. Jucinta also warned parents against engaging children in child labour or sending them to gardens during school hours, saying such practices negatively affect their education and academic performance in Katerera.
Meanwhile, the headteacher of Rugando II Primary School, Mr. Tumusiime William, explained that the school had set aside Education Sunday to thank God for His protection, guidance and the achievements registered by the institution. He said the occasion brings together pupils, teachers, parents and the church to pray for education, give thanks for the gift of learning and commit the school into God’s hands.
Mr. Tumusiime highlighted the lack of adequate accommodation for teachers as one of the major challenges affecting the school, noting that decent housing would help improve teachers’ welfare, encourage timely reporting to school and enhance pupils’ academic performance. He called upon those who did not attend the function to continue supporting the school, emphasising that every contribution counts towards building a better future for the children.
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