Parents, schools to blame for moral degeneration—Buganda officials

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Buganda Kingdom officials have blamed the moral degeneration that is eating up the country like cancer on parents and schools.

The officials of the Kingdom's Ebikabyaffe Foundation say parents are nowadays more focused on working to make ends meet than raising their children in the right way through guidance. They also accuse schools of being more focused on passing exams over instilling the right morals in learners.

They made the remarks while meeting State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) chief Col. Edith Nakalema on January 21, 2025, at the unit's offices in Kampala.

Robert Sserunjogi, lead Researcher of Ebikabyaffe Foundation remarking. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

Ebikabyaffe Foundation executive director Blasio Mutanda Kawule, who represented Buganda Kingdom Council of Clan Heads chairperson Augustine Kizito, informed Nakalema that the foundation aims to instil good morals and values among the young generation.

“In the past, Buganda and Uganda were admired for the good morals among the people but now we are facing moral decadence, especially among our young people,” he said.

He attributed the moral degeneration to the limited time parents spend with their children due to their busy schedules as well as schools focusing more on class work and giving less time in inculcating good morals and discipline among learners.

Seeking support

The foundation also presented a proposal to Col. Nakalema seeking the Government's generous support to fund the completion of a pilot school in Wakivule, Kikyusa town council in Luwero district.

Joshua Kato Bbosa, Chief National Coordinator of Ebikabyaffe Foundation speaking. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

“That is why we decided to come up with several initiatives like the pilot school. People are now disrespecting leaders. They feel they are all at the same level. That's anarchy. Besides class work, through this school, we shall be able to inculcate good morals, norms and values among the young generation. We shall teach the young ones how to respect the elders,” Kawule said.

“We request your support, and we work as a team to promote our initiative. If the school is a success, Uganda will be a safe place for every person. Countries like China have been able to develop and move forward due to its good move to inculcate good morals and discipline among the young ones through school.”

Nakalema expressed gratitude to the officials for honouring her request to attend the engagement.

Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (Centre) speaking as Blasio Mutanda, Executive Director of Ebikabyaffe Foundation (Right) and Patrick Kayongo, Chairman Board look on. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

She also assured them that she would support and mobilise the school project to ensure that the great cause is pushed forward.

“The school is much needed. Please write to the President, I'm sure he will support the project. I will push the fundraising,” Nakalema said.

“Some of you know that I have a passion for mentoring young people. Beyond just mentoring, proactive youths who come up with ideas, who demonstrate ingenuity always strike a strong connection with zeal for touching lives. Therefore, empowering the youth is such a noble cause which I fully identify with.”

Col. Nakalema also thanked Ebikabyaffe for their transformative work of helping the young generation rediscover their roots.

“This is a steady path to promoting community-based involvement in the affairs of society. Discipline and morals are key for the country. We should show these youths the way. I thank you for empowering me to spread the gospel of character, conduct, respect and behavior among our people," she said.

Commitment to empowering the youth

Nakalema further assured the officials of the Government's commitment to empower the youths to drive socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

“However, considering the magnitude of the task, the Government is ready to work with partners like you so we can surmount the challenge at hand.”

Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (Centre) speaking as Blasio Mutanda, Executive Director of Ebikabyaffe Foundation (Right) and Patrick Kayongo, Chairman Board look on. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

On the other hand, Nakalema underscored the role of SHIPU’s Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an online platform in easing the investment processes in Uganda.

Nakalema said it offers guidance to investors through access to authentic government sources, gives a comprehensive reporting mechanism for investor inquiries and complaints and offers robust enforcement and follow-up on reported issues, complemented by regular feedback to investors.

She also disclosed that the innovation protects the investors from falling into the wrong hands of fraudsters and also deals with systematic corruption that threatens investors’ confidence and affects economic growth.

Kawuma commended Col. Nakalema for the support and good working relationship with the kingdom.

Joshua Kato Bbosa, an official at Ebikabyaffe Foundation, also thanked Nakalema for being a woman of valour, focused and strong leader who works towards the development of Uganda.

“Thank you for serving Uganda and thank you for inviting us here for this engagement,” he said.

Bbosa said that Ebikabyaffe focuses on spreading unity among Ugandans as well as inculcating good morals and discipline among the Ugandan youths.

Members of Ebikabyaffe Foundation taking a group picture with Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (Centre) at SHIPU offices in Kampala. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)

“We are all Ugandans, and we work together with everyone. Without a good moral foundation, the fight against corruption and protecting the investors would not be possible,” he said.

Bbosa also affirmed that the school project is part of a broader vision to establish 57 schools across Uganda that will provide secondary education and vocational training, focusing on instilling strong morals, norms and values among the youths.

“We believe education is the cornerstone of societal transformation and this pilot school aims to not only equip students with academic and technical skills but also nurture responsible and ethical citizens.”

Eng. Ronald Serumaga Ssava, a coordinator at Ebikabyaffe Foundation informed Col. Nakalema that some of them are local investors, thus requesting for SHIPU’s support so that they can also enjoy the thriving investment climate in Uganda.