Family & Parenting
Tooro king calls for end to school dropouts, teenage pregnancies
“As a kingdom, we are with you and shall work together." Close to making a month on the throne, Nyabongo I said challenges among Tooro's young people are holding back the development of the region.
King Edward Nyabongo 1 attends the Sunday service at Our Lady of the Snow, Virika, in Fort Portal. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire
By: Jonan Tusingwire, Journalist @New Vision
TOORO - King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I of Tooro has urged parents to take greater responsibility for raising their children, warning that school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse and HIV infections are undermining the region’s development.
He said parents had neglected some of their traditional roles, including guiding children on discipline, cultural values and responsible behaviour.
The monarch made the remarks during Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Snow Virika Catholic Church in Fort Portal City, where he commended the Catholic Church for its contribution to the welfare of people in Tooro sub-region.
“As a kingdom, we are with you and shall work together."
Close to making a month on the throne, Nyabongo I said challenges among Tooro's young people are holding back the development of the region.
On the high HIV prevalence in Tooro, he urged parents and religious leaders to work together to educate young people about HIV prevention and discourage behaviours that expose them to infection.
He particularly encouraged parents to guide their children towards responsible relationships and encourage them to practise abstinence until they are ready for marriage.
The king urged the Catholic Church to use its influence to strengthen family values and support the kingdom’s efforts to address social challenges affecting young people.
He also called for unity among the people of Tooro, saying collective action is necessary to address the challenges facing the region. “Let us be one and work for our unity. Let us be united."
On the high HIV prevalence in Tooro, he urged parents and religious leaders to work together to educate young people about HIV prevention and discourage behaviours that expose them to infection.
He particularly encouraged parents to guide their children towards responsible relationships and encourage them to practise abstinence until they are ready for marriage.
The king urged the Catholic Church to use its influence to strengthen family values and support the kingdom’s efforts to address social challenges affecting young people.
He also called for unity among the people of Tooro, saying collective action is necessary to address the challenges facing the region. “Let us be one and work for our unity. Let us be united."
'Seek advice'
Robert Muhirwa, the Fort Portal diocese bishop who led the prayers, urged the king to seek advice from relevant stakeholders before making critical decisions affecting Tooro.
“Your Majesty, consult widely and work with other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of the people of Tooro are protected."
Muhirwa also challenged Nyabongo I to address the divisions within the monarchy, saying unity is essential for the kingdom’s stability and development.
He also urged the 55-year-old leader to work with the government and other development partners to advance key priorities, including the establishment of the Tooro Regional Cancer Institute to improve access to cancer treatment in the region.
This, he said, would be in memory of Nyabongo I's predecessor, the late Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who succumbed to cancer in late August this year.
Robert Muhirwa, the Fort Portal diocese bishop who led the prayers, urged the king to seek advice from relevant stakeholders before making critical decisions affecting Tooro.
“Your Majesty, consult widely and work with other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of the people of Tooro are protected."
Muhirwa also challenged Nyabongo I to address the divisions within the monarchy, saying unity is essential for the kingdom’s stability and development.
He also urged the 55-year-old leader to work with the government and other development partners to advance key priorities, including the establishment of the Tooro Regional Cancer Institute to improve access to cancer treatment in the region.
This, he said, would be in memory of Nyabongo I's predecessor, the late Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who succumbed to cancer in late August this year.