Kadaga commends SDA church for fostering well- groomed citizens
The first Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has praised the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for its efforts in raising well-groomed citizens, children, and families.
She also urged the church to join the fight against domestic violence.
Keep Reading
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, Stephen Mubiru, during the closure of a week-long family camp meeting at Kamuli SDA Church, Kadaga condemned domestic violence as a major obstacle to family stability, development, and productivity.
“We need to end domestic violence, secure our families, create peace for productivity, promote open communication, and, above all, have a heart for our children so they do not become the shock absorbers of family pain, stress, and troubles,” Kadaga said .
David Kamaali, the Guest Speaker, Director of Starlight Schools Kamuli, and Principal Human Resource Officer, highlighted the stress factors that contribute to domestic violence, including culture, religion, and power dynamics.
He noted that physical violence is often sparked by emotional and psychological abuse, emphasizing that "the worst violence is silence."
Kamaali also warned about the impact of technology and the misuse of rights, stating that technology has taken over homes, while many children are unprepared for the unregulated content it presents.
“Parenting is a shared responsibility. The purpose of marriage is happiness, so establish family rules, enforce rights with responsibility, and practice positive parenting,” Kamaali advised.
Wycliffe Waibiru, the pastor of Kamuli SDA Church, encouraged participants to draw lessons from the biblical fig tree, urging them to make a positive impact and reduce domestic violence.
“If we do not bear fruit, we shall be cut down. Go and bear the fruits of love, respect, responsibility, and positive parenting as willed by God. Men, love your wives; women, respect your husbands, and the family will be peaceful,” Waibiru urged.
Amina Ngobi, the Kamuli SDA District Women’s League Chairperson, called on women to focus on economic empowerment, uphold family values, and prioritize education.
She also cautioned against excessive emphasis on women’s emancipation, equality, and affirmative action, encouraging a balanced partnership with spouses.
“We need to respect and value our spouses, encourage them to be supportive, and avoid placing undue demands on them. Let us embrace economic empowerment and contribute equally,” Ngobi said.
Kamuli District Police Commander (DPC) Rebecca Ayeta raised concerns about toxic and absentee parenting and called for community sensitization outreaches, with religious leaders as key allies against domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is rampant today because of absentee parenting and stress. Children are being sent to risky places at awkward times while parents remain at home. We need to reinforce family responsibility and values,” Ayeta urged.
The week-long camp meeting, held under the theme "End Domestic Violence, Go and Look for My Lost Sheep," featured family counseling, children's adventure sessions, teen and adolescent skills development, and fundraising for the renovation of the pastor's house.
