Youth immorality: Minister Balaam seeks religious leaders’ intervention
“Religious leaders are widely listened to and respected. If they strengthen the fight against immorality among our youth, we shall have a real chance to overcome the moral decay threatening our society,” Minister Barugahara said.
Balaam Barugahara (C), the minister of state for youth and children affairs interacting with Rev. Joseph Ichumar as Peter Komol Lotee (yellow shirt), the Kotido district Chairperson and other faithful look on. This was after a church service at St. Philips Cathedral Church of Uganda in Moroto city on October 26, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
Balaam Barugahara (extreme R), the minister of state for youth and children affairs addressing as Rev. Joseph Ichumar (extreme L) and Peter Komol Lotee the Kotido district Chairperson look on. This was during a church service at St. Philips Cathedral Church of Uganda in Moroto city on October 26, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
MOROTO - The Minister of Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has appealed to religious leaders across the country to take a central role in addressing the growing moral decay among youth.
He urged the clergy to use their influence to condemn immoral behaviour and promote values that nurture a virtuous, God-fearing society.
Speaking during a Sunday service at St. Phillips Cathedral Church of Uganda in Moroto City, Minister Barugahara expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in immoral practices among young people, particularly on social media.
He attributed this trend to negative peer influence and a decline in moral guidance both at home and in communities.
The minister was in Moroto City for the government’s “Wake Up Youth Mobilisation and Accountability Tour.”
Barugahara emphasised that religious institutions have a critical role in guiding young people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. He noted that clerics are highly respected voices in society whose consistent stand against immorality could significantly influence change.
“Religious leaders are widely listened to and respected. If they strengthen the fight against immorality among our youth, we shall have a real chance to overcome the moral decay threatening our society,” he said.
He highlighted that the youth deserve special attention from parents, the Church, and all stakeholders, noting that young people make up 78% of Uganda’s population and are the nation’s future.
Crackdown on online obscenity
Minister Barugahara condemned the growing trend of young people capturing and sharing obscene content on social media, describing it as a “disgrace to a Godly nation.”
“We have youth who feel comfortable recording and sharing immoral content online. This is unacceptable and tarnishes our country’s image. Let us pray for our nation and protect our children from these evil influences,” he said.
He revealed that his ministry is working closely with the Uganda Police Force to identify, investigate, and arrest individuals misusing social media platforms to promote indecent behaviour.
Barugahara also spoke about the multiple challenges facing Ugandan children and youth, including harassment, parental neglect, and homelessness. He stressed the need for community and religious support systems to restore hope among vulnerable children.
He urged the clergy to guide young people away from the growing obsession with quick money and instead promote hard work and integrity. “Many youth today want money without working for it. Even when invited to knowledge-sharing meetings, they demand allowances before attending, which is not right,” he observed.
Encouraging youth to join government programs
The minister encouraged religious leaders to mobilise young people to actively participate in government development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Emyooga, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Programme (UWEP).
“As political leaders, we can do our best to promote youth development, but we need God’s intervention in guiding the hearts and minds of our young people,” he said.
The minister also lauded President Yoweri Museveni for his efforts in restoring peace and security in Karamoja, particularly through the disarmament of warriors who previously terrorised communities and stole livestock.
He urged residents of Karamoja to support the President’s leadership and pray for his continued strength to lead the country toward prosperity.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the security agencies for their dedication to maintaining peace, which he said has created a stable environment for development.
Local leaders back minister’s call
Peter Komol Lotee, the Kotido District Chairperson, thanked the Church for providing a platform for interaction between leaders and citizens.
He said building a morally upright society requires collective effort from families, communities, and the Church.
“Having responsible citizens is not the sole duty of leaders or the Church; it is everyone’s responsibility,” Lotee said.
He urged the people of Karamoja to give President Museveni overwhelming support in future elections, arguing that his government has demonstrated commitment to peace and development. “As Karamoja, we should give President Museveni over 90% of the vote,” he added.
He also commended Minister Balaam for taking time to engage directly with citizens, saying such field visits help the government make informed decisions and allow residents to contribute to their region’s development.
In his closing remarks, Rev. Joseph Ichumar, who led the service, thanked the minister for associating with the Church’s mission and extended an invitation for him to join in the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of St. Phillips Cathedral.
“Your presence today shows that government leaders can walk hand in hand with the Church in shaping the moral direction of our nation,” Rev. Ichumar said.