The Archbishop of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has praised women for their growing contribution to leadership in Uganda and called on them to pay special attention to nurturing boy children to become responsible future fathers, leaders, and citizens.
The Archbishop delivered the message on Sunday as Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day.
Speaking at Don Bosco Primary School in Kira during celebrations marking the school’s feast day of Saint John Bosco, Archbishop Ssemogerere said women have demonstrated strong leadership abilities in the country.
“We congratulate women upon reaching this day. In this era, we are grateful that women have studied and engaged greatly in leadership both in the country and in the Church,” he said.
He noted that women now occupy key positions in Uganda’s leadership, pointing to roles such as the Speaker of Parliament, the Vice President, and the Prime Minister.
The Archbishop also commended the government for creating space for women to participate in leadership.
At the same event, he encouraged women to continue upholding their dignity, saying their conduct plays an important role in shaping society.
“Women, I encourage you to maintain your dignity. It looks unfortunate when we hear of a lady leading an operation to beat fellow women,” he said.
Archbishop Ssemogerere further appealed to parents, especially mothers, to pay greater attention to raising boy children with strong values so they can grow into responsible men.
“As we celebrate the dignity of women, I appeal to parents, especially women, to nurture your boy children to become good shepherds and responsible future husbands in society,” he said.
He urged women to emulate Saint John Bosco, who dedicated his life to caring for and guiding children, saying his example should inspire them in nurturing the future generation.
The Archbishop noted that Saint John Bosco stood firmly for the wellbeing of children and worked tirelessly to shape them into responsible members of society.
He added that women, as primary caregivers in many families, have a crucial responsibility to guide and nurture children so they can grow into responsible leaders and citizens who will shape the future of the world.
