Clergy warn Kigezi youth against drugs abuse, sexual immorality at convention

KABALE - Thousands of youth from across the Kigezi and North Kigezi Anglican dioceses have gathered at Rugarama Hill in Kabale Municipality for the Youth and Students Convention, where church leaders, educationists and guest speakers are urging them to remain anchored in Christianity, discipline and productive living.

The convention, which opened on May 7, 2026  and runs until May 11, 2026, is being held under the theme: "Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” drawn from Ephesians 2:14–17.

During the convention, several religious leaders emphasised the importance of salvation, prayer, hard work and moral uprightness among the youth, warning them against destructive habits such as drug abuse, pornography and prostitution.

North Kigezi Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe urged young people to cultivate the habit of reading and understanding the Bible, saying Scripture gives believers hope, wisdom and strength during difficult moments in life.

Speaking during the third day of the convention at the grounds on Rugarama Hill in Northern Division, Kabale municipality, Asiimwe said the Word of God helps Christians remain steadfast and strengthens their relationship with God.

He encouraged the youth not only to read the Bible, but also to memorise and practice its teachings in their daily lives.

“As human beings, we all pass through difficult moments, but the Bible reminds us of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Young people should always turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance,” Bishop Asiimwe said.

The bishop also urged the youth to accept Jesus Christ and live lives guided by salvation, saying Christ alone offers hope and peace to believers.

He urged participants to repent and return to their homes spiritually transformed after the convention.

Expedite Besigye hearing

In a separate message during the gathering, Asiimwe also weighed in on the continued detention of Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, calling upon the Judiciary to expedite the hearing of his case.

The bishop said Besigye had spent a long period in detention without a conclusive hearing and urged courts to either release him or process the matter in accordance with the law.

He noted that delayed justice undermines confidence in the judicial system and called for a fair and timely legal process.

Walk under God's guidance

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Kigezi, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna urged the youth to put into practice the lessons they are receiving during the convention so that society can see them as people walking under the guidance of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Akanjuna said following Christ gives believers peace, courage and hope regardless of the challenges they face in life.

“No one works for God and goes unrewarded. Serving God brings fulfilment and success in life,” the bishop told the congregation.

He commended the diocesan youth leadership for organising the convention and appreciated the thousands of youths who attended the gathering, saying the event would leave a lasting spiritual impact on participants.

At the same function, Bishop Akanjuna recognised the outgoing diocesan Youth Executive Committee for the 2022–2025 term by awarding members certificates in appreciation of their service to the church.

“As human beings, we all pass through difficult moments, but the Bible reminds us of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Young people should always turn to Scripture for comfort and guidance,” Bishop Asiimwe said. (Credit: Nelson Ahimbisibwe)

Remain prayerful

The Diocesan Children, Youth and Students’ Coordinator, Rev. Robertson Peter Agaba, challenged Christian youths to remain prayerful and steadfast in faith if they are to overcome temptations and receive God’s guidance.

Agaba emphasised the importance of salvation, saying young people who accept Christ are better equipped to resist destructive influences and make wise decisions.

“Young people should seek wisdom and knowledge from God because these are what guide and protect believers in everyday life,” he said.

He urged participants to apply the teachings received during the convention and continue growing spiritually after returning to their communities.

Agaba also reminded the youth to remain prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ and encouraged them to prioritise seeking the Kingdom of God.

Educationists attending the convention also challenged the youth to embrace hard work and self-reliance.

Do not despise small jobs

Seseme Girls Secondary School headteacher Peace Ruzaza urged young people to engage in income-generating activities instead of wasting time gossiping or despising small jobs.

Ruzaza said many youths remain unemployed because they reject available opportunities, yet success often begins with humble beginnings.

“Young people should stop looking down upon small jobs. Starting small and remaining focused can help someone become successful in the future,” she said.

She encouraged the youth to put into practice the lessons learned at the convention and dedicate themselves to productive activities that can improve their livelihoods.

Veteran journalist Asasira Safira also addressed the gathering and urged the youth to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, warning that abandoning Christian values exposes young people to destruction and hopelessness.

Safira emphasised the need for spiritual discipline and moral integrity among the younger generation.

Religious leaders at the convention further warned the youth against sexual immorality, pornography and drug abuse, which they described as growing threats to society.

Rev. Canon Daniel Byamukama, the Diocesan Missions Coordinator in the Diocese of Kigezi, cautioned the youth against watching pornography, engaging in prostitution and abusing drugs and alcohol.

He said many immoral practices begin with exposure to explicit content, which later drives young people into destructive behaviour.

“Pornography and drug abuse destroy the future of many young people. Youths should resist evil and remain in Jesus Christ because He holds their future,” Rev. Byamukama said.

He added that excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse rob people of dignity and distance them from God.

Also preaching during the convention, Rev. Dickens Ndyahabwe, the chaplain of Bukinda Core Primary Teachers’ College, encouraged the youth to pursue holistic growth spiritually, mentally, physically and academically.

Rev. Ndyahabwe said the teachings received during the convention may not result in academic certificates, but they provide moral and spiritual values that shape responsible citizens.

“What young people are receiving here is another form of education that will help them transform their lives and improve their future,” he said.

As the convention continues, organisers say the annual gathering remains one of the biggest youth spiritual events in the Kigezi sub-region, bringing together students, church leaders, teachers and professionals to mentor the younger generation on faith, discipline and responsible living.