Parenting programme impacts 'hundreds of families in Teso'

KAMPALA - The Parenting for Respectability (PfR) programme, implemented by Makerere University’s Child Health and Development Centre, has positively impacted hundreds of families in Uganda's eastern region of Teso.

"In my own sub-county and village, this programme has touched over 800 families, and things have changed drastically,” said Iteso cultural leader, Papa Paul Sande Emolot.

“Families that previously lacked peace and love are now experiencing transformation, thanks to the Parenting for Respectability programme.”

Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot presided over a graduation ceremony of 35 participants who completed a specialised course in the Science of Designing, Adaptation and Implementation of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions, and among the graduands was Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among, Sande's wife. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Emolot said that without culture, values and character, all other fields can now be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) technology — but not parenting.

He made the remarks during a graduation ceremony of 35 practitioners after a 12-week course on The Science of Designing, Adaptation and Implementation of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions at Makerere University on Wednesday, June 11.

The Iteso leader urged Makerere University to elevate the course to a fully accredited programme, saying it would make a difference.

Graduates cut cake as they celebrated their victory.

The course is designed for practitioners, policymakers and researchers working in all sectors, especially in the area of parenting and family strengthening.

Emolot's wife, Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot, was among those who graduated.

Dr Godfrey Siu, a senior lecturer and course lead, said the practitioners have been equipped with practical skills to design parenting interventions through an evidence-based lens.

Graduates receive blessings from Emorimor and the wife

"Many people run parenting programmes either as seminars or community activities, but they often lack the capacity to demonstrate to the government whether these programmes actually work," he said. 

The PfR programme is supported by Elma Foundation and Echidna Giving.

Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, praised the graduates as a beacon of hope, especially at a time when parenting is facing unprecedented challenges such as digital distractions, shifting societal norms, and a rising mental health crisis.

His speech was read by Dr Helen Nambalirwa, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The best student Nuru Mbalyowere

Nawangwe emphasised the importance of evidence-based approaches as the cornerstone of national progress.

'Empowered me'

Juliana Naumo, the commissioner for culture and family affairs at the gender ministry, called for parenting interventions to be grounded in robust research. 

She urged harmonization of policy and practice, strong partnerships, and advocacy for equity to ensure no family is left behind.

“As you return to your roles — whether at the family or organizational level — carry forward the knowledge and skills you have gained and share them widely,” Naumo told the graduates.

Nuruh Mbalyowere, the best student of the Science of Designing Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions Course (centre) having a photo moment with His Royal Highness, Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot (left) and Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot.

Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Principal of the College of Health Sciences, commended the Elma Foundation for its continued support not only for the parenting programme, but also for other vital health training initiatives.

Nuruh Mbalyowere, a rehabilitation and reintegration officer at the Uganda Prisons Service, was recognized for developing the best parenting intervention titled “Parenting Beyond Prison Bars”.

She spoke of how the course had impacted her own parenting and professional work. 

His Royal Highness, Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot (2nd right) together with Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot (right) receives a gift from (l-R): Dr. Godfrey Sui, Senior Lecturer & Course lead, Prof.Richard Idro, Deputy Principal, College of health science, Prof.Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, principal, college of humanities and social sciences (MAK), and Juliana Naumo Akoryo, Commissioner, culture and family affairs ministry of Gender. This was during the Science of Disigning Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions Course Graduation ceremony at the Freedom Square, Makerere University on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

“It has empowered me not only as a parent but also in my role at the Uganda Prisons Service. I intend to apply and transfer the skills I have gained both at home and in my workplace,” said Mbalyowere.

Below is a picture highlight from the function as covered by multimedia journalist Mpalanyi Ssentongo;

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DR. Siu, the course lead, congratulates Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among upon completing her studies.

His Royal Highness,  Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot (2nd right), together with Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot ( right), receives a gift from (l-R): Dr.Godfrey Sui, Senior Lecturer & Course lead, Prof. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (MAK),  Prof.Richard Idro, Deputy Principal, College of Health Science and Juliana Naumo Akoryo, Commissioner, Culture and Family Affairs Ministry of Gender. This was during the Science of Designing Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions Course Graduation ceremony at the Freedom Square, Makerere University on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

His Royal Highness,  Emorimor Papa Iteso, Paul Sande Emolot (2nd right), together with Her Royal Majesty Juliet Among Emolot.