St. Paul Benezeri Church leader George Katongole has raised concern over the increasing use of violence by parents while disciplining children, warning that harsh parenting methods are leaving many children traumatized, injured and in some cases dead.
George Katongole made the remarks during a special prayer gathering organised by Kazo Central LC1 Chairperson Nathan Kiyimba Bogere at his home in Nansana Municipality.
The prayers brought together residents, local leaders and religious faithful who gathered to seek divine intervention for families, young people and the wider community amid growing cases of domestic violence, moral decay and criminal behaviour among the youth.
While preaching during the service, Katongole strongly criticised parents who rely on anger, physical punishment and intimidation while raising children, saying many families are unknowingly destroying the future of their children through violence.
“Parents today have become too harsh while disciplining children. Because of excessive beatings, anger and violence, many children are ending up with serious injuries while others have even lost their lives,” Katongole said.
He noted that children require guidance, counselling, patience and love in order to grow into responsible citizens, warning that fear-based parenting often pushes children into rebellion, trauma and criminal behaviour.
“A child who is raised in violence grows up with fear, bitterness and emotional pain. Parents should discipline children with love and wisdom because every child deserves care, protection and guidance,” he added.
Katongole further appealed to parents to become role models in society by promoting peace, respect and moral values within their homes.
He also urged religious leaders and community elders to continue sensitising families about responsible parenting and the dangers of child abuse.
The prayer service was organised by area LC1 Chairperson Nathan Kiyimba Bogere, who said the gathering was intended to pray for God’s guidance and protection over the community following increasing social challenges affecting residents.
Kiyimba explained that many families in the area are struggling with poverty, unemployment, domestic misunderstandings and youth involvement in criminal activities, which he said has created fear among residents.
“We organised these prayers to seek God’s intervention for our community because many families are facing difficult situations and our young people are increasingly being misled into crime and immoral behaviour,” Kiyimba said.
He thanked residents and local development groups for supporting initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for young people.
“I appreciate the patriotic people in this community who are involved in development work because they are helping our youth to get jobs and stay away from criminal activities and lawlessness,” he added.
Kiyimba also applauded security teams, religious institutions and community leaders for working together to maintain peace and stability in the area.
Residents who attended the prayers welcomed the message delivered by the church leaders and local authorities, saying there is a need for stronger community sensitisation programmes on parenting, counselling and youth empowerment.
Several leaders at the event called for stronger collaboration between parents, schools, churches and local leaders to address rising cases of child abuse, domestic violence and indiscipline among young people.
The gathering ended with special prayers for families, children, leaders and the youth, with religious leaders urging residents to uphold unity, discipline and compassion within their homes and communities.