Archbishop Kazimba Urges Balanced Focus on Boys' Development

Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu has sounded an alarm regarding the societal implications of heavily prioritizing the girl child’s welfare while seemingly overlooking the development of boys. He believes this imbalance could foster significant future social problems.

Archbishop Kazimba pointed out that while commendable progress has been made in advancing girls’ education and well-being, boys are facing unique challenges that impact their journey into adulthood. He cited concerning statistics, noting that men constitute a high percentage of drug addicts, criminals, and those in rehabilitation and prison. “Where does this leave us?” he questioned.

Further highlighting a perceived gender disparity in family and church engagement, the Archbishop observed that women and girls dominate many spheres. He noted that women make up the majority in church attendance, confirmation classes, and school visits to children, where girls are often the ones being visited. “Everyone is concerned about the girl child,” he stated, suggesting that many Non-Governmental Organisations have also centered their efforts on girls, leaving boys underserved.

He warned that a well-nurtured girl child might eventually marry a boy who has not received adequate attention, potentially leading to domestic violence. Archbishop Kazimba urged parents to intentionally invest in boys’ education, character building, emotional health, and responsible upbringing. He also called upon mothers to foster strong relationships with their sons and encourage connection with their fathers, using his own family as a positive example.

These remarks were made at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kasese during his farewell tour. The Archbishop also reiterated the importance of education as a crucial investment and expressed concern over high rates of teenage pregnancies in the district, highlighting an instance of a 24-year-old grandmother. He stressed that keeping children in school and providing them with necessary resources is key to limiting such issues and protecting them from risky behaviors. Lastly, he encouraged peace, unity, and compassion within the Kasese community, emphasizing that conflict hinders development.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)