The Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, has asked parents and guardians to strengthen supervision of their children during the Christmas holiday, warning that the festive season exposes young people to heightened moral, social, and safety risks.
Speaking during Christmas Mass at Our Lady of the Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish in Kabale Municipality on Thursday, Atwakiire said Christmas should go beyond celebration and entertainment to focus on spiritual reflection, discipline, and family bonding.
She noted that with schools closed and children spending more time at home, parents have an added responsibility to guide them and protect them from negative influences such as drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, immoral behaviour, and peer pressure, which often escalate during the festive period.
Atwakiire emphasized that Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and should inspire families to instil values that promote good character, responsibility, and spiritual growth among children and young people. She cautioned parents against delegating the upbringing of their children entirely to domestic workers, saying this weakens family responsibility.
She further encouraged parents to involve children in household chores, saying the practice helps them acquire life skills, discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
CUE IN ATWAKIIRE… ON CHILDREN… RR//
In his homily, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, called on Christians to become channels of love, hope, and peace within their families and communities. He urged believers to trust in God’s mercy, generosity, and unfailing love, especially during difficult times.
He challenged Christians to be courageous witnesses of the Gospel, assuring them of God’s protection and guidance. He described Jesus Christ as the ultimate link between humanity and God, calling on believers to listen to His voice and resist distractions from misleading influences.
CUE IN BISHOP RUBARAMIRA… ON CHRISTIANS… RR//
