West Ankole bishop warns learners against immorality, risky behaviour

______________

West Ankole Anglican bishop Johnson Twinomujuni has warned learners against immorality and risky behaviour, urging them to safeguard their bodies as the foundation of their future.

Twinomujuni made the call while presiding over a thanksgiving service at Parental Care Nursery and Primary School in Bushenyi following the school’s impressive performance in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where candidates posted a 98% pass rate.

He cautioned learners against alcohol consumption, smoking and irresponsible sexual behaviour, saying such habits could destroy their dreams.

“You need your body because you cannot do anything or become anybody without it. The body is the medium of our operation. When you lose it, you have lost everything,” he said.

Quoting John 15:16, the bishop urged pupils to live purposeful lives that bear lasting fruit.

“The best way to live is to live for something that will outlast your lifespan,” he added.

He also prayed for the newly enrolled Primary Seven candidates and reminded learners that education remains their greatest asset.

“Education is your future. Guard it well,” he said, urging them to appreciate their parents’ sacrifices.

Learners reflect

The bishop’s message sparked reflection among learners, many of whom admitted that young people do not always fully appreciate the importance of respecting their bodies.

“Some learners understand the message, but others think they are still young and have time to change later,” said Owomugisha Eliezer, a Primary Five pupil.

“By the time they realise, they may already have made serious mistakes.”

Others cited peer pressure as a major challenge.

“Some learners know what is right, but peer pressure is strong. Friends can push you to try alcohol or enter relationships before you are ready,” P6 pupil Atukunda Karen said.

Learners also cited substance abuse, unhealthy sexual relationships and excessive use of social media as major distractions from academic goals.

“Smartphones waste a lot of time. You start with five minutes and end up spending hours online instead of revising,” head prefect Asiimwe Elijah said.

Several learners admitted having faced uncomfortable situations.

“I have been pressured to go to places I did not feel were right for me,” a learner said.

“I chose to stay focused on my books because I know what I want in life.”

“I have seen village mates drop out of school after getting involved in bad groups,” another pupil said.

“Some even stopped coming to school completely,” Elijah added.

Concentration and attendance

Headteacher Desmond Tayebwa said risky behaviour affects concentration and attendance.

“Once a learner gets involved in such habits, their focus shifts. Some eventually drop out because of poor choices,” he said.

Learners described respecting one’s body as maintaining discipline, avoiding harmful substances, dressing decently, eating well, resting adequately and making wise decisions.

“It also means saying no when something feels wrong,” a pupil said.

On whether parents and teachers discuss such issues openly, opinions were divided.

“Guidance is given, but sometimes we fear asking sensitive questions,” one learner admitted.

However, many said clerics play an important role.

“When leaders like the bishop speak, we listen differently. It makes us think deeply about our future,” a pupil said, adding that such messages influence personal decisions.

If allowed to respond directly to the bishop, some learners said they would ask how to remain firm when peer pressure becomes persistent.

“I would ask him how to stay strong when friends keep convincing you that certain behaviours are normal,” said Akatukunda Faith.

Excellence agenda

Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality education officer Dan Mugyenyi attributed the area’s strong academic performance to deliberate efforts by schools and stakeholders.

“As a municipality, we ranked fourth nationally in the 2025 PLE results. This is not by accident,” he said.

He added that the municipality aims to position itself as a national centre of academic excellence.

“Just as some cities are recognised for particular strengths, for example, Fort Portal is known as a tourism city, we want Bushenyi to be known for education,” he said.

Parental Care Nursery and Primary School director Elivaidah Nshemereirwe said the institution embraces holistic education.

“We nurture the head, the hands and the heart,” she said.