MUKONO — The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt Rev Enos Kitto Kagodo, has urged parents to prioritise the education of their children and promote unity within families through forgiveness, saying both are essential for building strong communities and securing a better future.
Bishop Kagodo made the remarks during a confirmation service at St. Philip’s Buziika Parish Church in Nakibizzi Archdeaconry, where 60 Christians were confirmed into the Anglican faith.
The candidates were presented to the bishop by the Archdeacon of Nakibizzi, Ven. Rev. Canon Robert Kiwanuka Mulinde, together with clergy and lay readers serving in the parish.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Kagodo commended Christians for their commitment to evangelism, support for church ministries and contributions towards the ongoing construction of the Mukono Diocesan Cathedral.
He also cautioned parents against neglecting their responsibility to educate their children, saying investment in education remains one of the most important ways of securing family and community development.
“Parents, take care of yourselves and take care of your children because they are your future. Educate them so they can support their communities and your families. Therefore, support schools in your areas, especially when it comes to paying for your children’s lunch,” he said.
Preaching under the theme, “Forgiveness in the Family Brings Peace,” Bishop Kagodo based his sermon on Genesis 33:1–20, which recounts the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau after years of separation and hostility.
He explained that despite Jacob’s fear that Esau would seek revenge, the two brothers reconciled, demonstrating the transformative power of forgiveness.
“Forgiveness is not yours; it belongs to God. If you forgive, you have God; but if you refuse to forgive, know that you do not have God. So I urge you to know that there is nothing you cannot forgive. When we forgive, we lift burdens. Forgiveness brings peace and frees us from bondage,” he said.
The bishop encouraged Christians to embrace reconciliation in their families and communities, describing forgiveness as a pathway to peace, healing and spiritual freedom.
Drawing from Matthew 5:43–48 and Ephesians 2:8, he urged believers to accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour and extend the same grace and forgiveness they seek from God to others.
Following the sermon, more than 50 people publicly gave their lives to Christ. They were led in the prayer of salvation by Njeru Parish Priest Rev. Henry Katumba Ssalongo, after which Bishop Kagodo prayed for them and pronounced a blessing.
Earlier, the Parish Priest of Buziika, Rev. Apollo Paul Ssegawa, presented a report outlining the parish’s achievements and challenges.
Among the challenges, Rev. Ssegawa cited theft, poverty, sickness and bereavement, noting that many Christians continue to endure hardships while remaining committed to the church through faith and sacrificial giving.
He said the parish's priorities include strengthening evangelism, expanding church projects, encouraging Christians to embrace holy living and Christian marriage, and enhancing support for community outreach programmes.
Rev. Ssegawa also highlighted achievements such as successful evangelism efforts that have led many people to salvation, regular pastoral visits, support for ministry departments, mobilisation of Christians to protect church property and outreach ministry at Bugungu Prison.
Meanwhile, Nakibizzi Archdeacon Ven. Rev. Canon Robert Kiwanuka Mulinde urged Christians to remain vigilant against Ebola, warning that the disease continues to pose a public health threat.
He encouraged members of the public to avoid unnecessary physical contact and observe preventive measures to help curb the spread of the virus.
Buziika Parish comprises nine churches: St. Philip’s Buziika, St. Stephen Kiryowa, St. Andrew Butema, Bulamba, Kikondo, Galama, Kinyala, Kyoga and Namaziba.