NTUNGAMO, UGANDA – Communities have been called upon to give equal attention to both boys and girls, with concerns raised over a current imbalance in gender-based support that is leaving young men increasingly vulnerable.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The call was made by the Curate of Kagamba Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Asingwire, during the burial service for the late Tumushabe Silverio, popularly known as Kamushiling. The ceremony took place in Rutooma Central, Nyakibigi, Ihunga Sub-county, Ntungamo district.
According to Fr. Asingwire, the growing neglect of the boy child and the failure to provide proper guidance to young males could spell doom for the traditional family structure and lead to severe societal decay.
He cautioned that overlooking the boy child threatens the future of the family, noting that a lack of mentorship and spiritual grounding often steers boys toward drug abuse, crime, and alcoholism. This, he warned, ultimately creates a deficit of responsible husbands and fathers.
Fr. Asingwire urged parents and guardians to re-evaluate how they raise their sons, emphasizing that the grooming of boys within the church and community must be given the same priority as that of girls.
“If we continue to overlook the boy child, we are digging a grave for the future of the family. Without proper guidance, we see them falling prey to drug abuse, crime, and alcoholism. This creates a deficit of responsible husbands and fathers down the line, which destabilizes the very foundation of our society,” he cautioned.
Citing a 2020 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Fr. Asingwire revealed that a staggering 78% of the prison population in Uganda is male.
He argued that most of these individuals entered the criminal justice system at a young age not because they were inherently bad, but due to a critical lack of support, guidance, and positive role models during their formative years. Flanked by the catechist from Kako Catholic Centre, Fr. Asingwire contrasted this trend by celebrating the life of the deceased.
He hailed the late Tumushabe Silverio Kamushiling as a commendable example of a father who successfully raised all his children into responsible and upright citizens.
“The late Kamushiling understood that being a parent is more than just providing food and shelter; it is about moral and spiritual investment in every child,” Fr. Asingwire stated.
The Chairman of LCIII Ihunga Sub-county, Nfunzaki Deo, issued a stern warning to the community to stand firm against the rising tide of criminality in the area.
He urged residents to prioritize education as a shield against future hardships, emphasizing that keeping children in school is their pathway to a bright future.
The widow, Edridah Knight Tumushabe, extended heartfelt thanks to the community and relatives who stood with them during their time of grief.
She eulogized her late husband as a man of integrity and humility who was a driving force behind the family’s development, building them not only materially but also in character.
The children, led by Bosco Kitemu and Ainembabazi Regina, celebrated their father’s legacy, praising him for nurturing and educating them to become the individuals they are today.
The late Tumushabe Silverio Kamushiling, aged 66, has left behind a widow, four children, and several grandchildren. Mourners noted that his life stands as a testament to enduring parenting values.
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