Bishop Eciru challenges parents on responsible child upbringing
Bishop Eciru expressed concern that many parents were becoming lax in maintaining family values.
he Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Dr. Joseph Oliach Eciru, preaching during the funeral mass for the late Mzee Silvest Malinga Ojakala in Morupus-Okwalo village, Asamuk Sub-County, Amuria district, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. (Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)
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The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Dr. Joseph Oliach Eciru, has called upon parents to steadfastly hold onto their faith in order to instill strong moral Christian values in their children and maintain a healthy family life.
He made the passionate appeal during the funeral mass for the late Mzee Silvest Malinga Ojakala in Morupus-Okwalo village, Asamuk Sub-County, Amuria district, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Hundreds of mourners gathered to honour Ojakala, a man known for his dedication to family, education, and community development. Ojakala is the father of Prof. Pius Okong, a chairperson of Soroti University Council.
The funeral mass served not only as a farewell to a respected elder, but also as an opportunity for religious and political leaders to challenge families to rebuild strong moral foundations grounded in faith, responsibility and love.
“It’s concerning that in our churches, women outnumber men, and yet we see a troubling statistic: more men are in prison than women. This neglect is also reflected in the youth, who have turned to opium smoking, causing them to age prematurely,” he remarked.
The bishop observed that although women still make up a smaller proportion of the prison population, their numbers are also increasing, which he said should serve as a warning that society is gradually drifting away from moral values.
The bishop emphasised that when parents uphold family values, they are better equipped to nurture their families and raise their children effectively. He noted the significant differences between children brought up in a Christian environment and those who are not.
“If you maintain your faith, it will in turn support you in raising your children and enriching your family life,” he said.
Earlier, Musa Ecweru, the ex-state minister for works who is also Amuria district National Resistance Movement chairperson, echoed the bishop’s message, urging parents to think beyond simply giving birth to many children and instead focus on their upbringing and welfare.
He said responsible parenting demands sacrifice, commitment and planning, noting that children require education, moral guidance and emotional support throughout their lives.
Reflecting on the life of the late Mzee Ojakala, Ecweru praised him as an outstanding example of responsible parenthood.
Ecweru noted that despite the challenges of raising a family, the deceased ensured that his children attained quality education, with some reaching the highest academic levels, including becoming professors.
To Ecweru, the late Ojakala’s legacy demonstrates that true success is measured not by the number of children one has, but by the values, education and opportunities parents provide for them.
He encouraged families to emulate such examples by prioritising the future of their children through education, discipline and responsible parenting.