The increasing number of single mothers in Uganda is raising concerns among religious leaders, who warn that the trend is fueling school dropouts, early marriages, and prostitution as young mothers struggle to survive without support.
During St Joseph’s Day celebrations at Jinja College, Fr John Mary Dumbuli expressed deep concern over the plight of young single mothers, many of whom live in dire conditions with limited means to provide for their children.
He noted that without proper guidance and financial stability, many young women see early marriage as an escape from hardship, while others turn to prostitution out of desperation.
“Men have ceased to be men,” he lamented, criticizing absentee fathers who abandon their responsibilities, leaving young mothers to fend for themselves.
Father Dumbuli urged men to emulate St Joseph, the Patron Saint of Fathers, by taking responsibility for their families and actively raising their children.
Recently incardinated by the Bishop of Jinja Diocese, the Rt Rev Martin Wamika, Fr Dumbuli also questioned the moral fabric of Uganda’s Christian community.
He pointed out that despite Christians forming the majority, corruption and other vices remain rampant, raising doubts about the true impact of Christian teachings.
He further called for schools to extend their focus beyond academics and invest in co-curricular activities, arguing that nurturing students’ talents could help tackle the country’s high unemployment rates.
Jinja College headteacher Michael Dhikusoka echoed the sentiment, affirming the school’s commitment to expanding practical skill-building opportunities for students.
Father Dumbuli’s remarks serve as a call to action for religious and community leaders to address the growing crisis of single motherhood and the broader moral challenges facing Ugandan society.