The Buganda Kingdom has called on parents, caregivers and church leaders to prioritise strong family values as the foundation for nurturing morally upright children, warning that societal stability begins in the home and cannot be repaired by cultural institutions alone.
The appeal was delivered by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Kingdom Treasurer, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, during the installation ceremony of Nnalongo Roseline Bingi Kawiso as President of the Mother’s Union in the Namirembe Diocese.
The ceremony, held at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe on Wednesday, was presided over by Bishop Rt Rev Moses Banja, assisted by the Dean of Namirembe Cathedral, the Very Rev Canon Dunstan Kiwanuka Mazinga.
Addressing the congregation, Nsibirwa stressed that effective collaboration between families and church leadership creates an environment where children can grow with moral strength and positive behaviour.
He cautioned that without active parental guidance and strong church support, children risk moral decline.
“Church communities and families that do not function well together struggle when there is no active parental guidance in raising children or strong church leadership to support them,” he said.
Nsibirwa emphasised that homes are the primary centres where values are instilled and must be the starting point for addressing broader social challenges.
“When the family fails, even the influence of the Buganda Kingdom alone cannot restore it,” he said, underscoring that cultural and moral upbringing must begin at home.
He challenged the leadership and members of the Mother’s Union to intensify efforts to strengthen families and guide young people amid rising moral concerns affecting today’s youth.
He also thanked the organisation for its continued service to the church and encouraged renewed commitment.
In his remarks, Bishop Banja echoed the call for integrity and excellence in all church initiatives, urging leaders to ensure that their actions reflect high standards and contribute positively to the community.
“Leaders must always remember that God places leadership in order to serve His people well in every situation. When we do God’s work faithfully, He will ensure the success of our efforts,” Banja said.
Nnalongo Kawiso reaffirmed the Mother’s Union’s dedication to serving the church with distinction and supporting families in ways that uphold the dignity of marriage and strengthen family life.
She pledged that members were ready to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.
The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Ssaabaganzi Emmanuel Ssekitooleko, First Deputy Katikkiro of the Nkima (Monkey) Clan; former Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya; religious leaders; government officials; and women’s representatives from various sectors.