Day

By Moses Andama
www.mknewslink.com
In Masindi—

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Masindi district has registered 23566 cases of child labor in a period of one year 2023.

Masindi district Senior Probation Officer Geoffrey Byenkya blames the large numbers on local council one chairpersons who have failed to fight against the vice.

Byenkya notes that one of the reasons as to why Masindi is among the districts where child labor cases are on rise is due to ignorant of local council chairpersons who have failed to play their role in fighting the vice.

Byenkya made the remarks while facilitating members during meeting for capacity building of frontline service providers with purpose to deliver appropriate services to victims of child labor, forced labor and trafficked persons organized by International Labor Organization (ILO) held at Devenue Hotel within Masindi municipality on Tuesday.

“Most of chairpersons refer cases of child labor and other related cases to office of probation and police knowing by law they are supposed to keep the victims with them for specific days, provide them with food and accommodation as search for the people who committed the case goes on,” Byenkya noted.

He says if local council one chairpersons could know their responsibilities in fight against child labor, such cases wouldn’t be on rise and their offices be overwhelmed with cases of child labor, and trafficking because they could sensitize communities as well as harmonize such cases at local level.

In Uganda, according to national labor force survey, (2021) 6.2 million 40% of the children aged 5-17 are victims of child labor.

By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—

St. Ignatius University, a Catholic-centered teaching institution, is set to be inaugurated this Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The University aims to inspire, empower, and transform African society by providing universal education with a strong emphasis on practical skills and projects.
The announcement was made by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, a member of the University Council and the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, during a press conference held yesterday at the university premises in Rushoroza Cell, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.
Msgr. Sunday emphasized that it is the Catholic Church’s mission to establish educational institutions at all levels to fulfill its mandate to educate the people of God, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew 28:19-20. He highlighted that St. Ignatius University operates on three core principles: placing God first in all endeavors, fostering moral integrity, and promoting intellectual development to address societal challenges.
Msgr. Sunday further explained that the University is committed to addressing the pressing issues facing society, such as extreme poverty. The institution plans to achieve this by offering courses that emphasize practical, hands-on projects. These courses will equip students with the skills to transform their lives and serve as examples in their communities, demonstrating how to utilize limited resources to generate wealth and drive financial transformation. The University aims to teach students how to manage, mobilize, and use resources effectively to empower their communities.
Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Maximilliano Ngabirano, the Vice Chancellor of St. Ignatius University, stated that the primary goal of the institution is to provide accessible, high-quality education. He noted that not everyone who attends a university attains true education and that Kabale Diocese is focused on reducing the high costs of education. This is particularly important in the Kigezi region, which is overpopulated, has depleted soils, and faces high levels of poverty.
Professor Ngabirano also emphasized that financial literacy and transformation are key objectives for the University. He explained that following its inauguration, the University will work to address the challenge of youth seeking employment abroad by focusing on developing self-employers rather than job seekers.
Currently, St. Ignatius University has an enrollment of 170 students. The University received its operational license as a private institution on August 31, 2023, and commenced its first semester on January 8, 2024.
The University offers several accredited programs, including a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s in Tourism Heritage and Leisure Management, a Diploma in Agriculture, a Diploma in Tourism and Leisure Management, a Certificate in Medical Records and Health Informatics, a Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology, a Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology, and UBTEB Vocational courses in Business, Agriculture, and Tourism.
University administrators, led by Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Ngabirano, assured journalists that St. Ignatius University welcomes students of all religious backgrounds. They emphasized that ethics form the foundation of the University’s teachings across all courses, which is vital in combating corruption in Uganda, especially in an era of advancing technology.
The official inauguration ceremony will be presided over by Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Retired Maj. Gen. Jessica Alupo. The ceremony will begin with a Mass led by Bishop Callist Rubaramira, who will also be installed as the first Chancellor of the University. Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Maximilliano Ngabirano will be installed as the first Vice Chancellor.

By Isaac Mumbere
www.mknewslink.com
In Kasese—

South Rwenzori diocesan synod has banned all priests from attending parties beyond 5pm within the diocese warning to subject to disciplinary actions any priest who violates the directive.

The Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku said to effectively enforce the ban, the matrimonial services conducted by priests in churches will now be limited to one hour, and wedding receptions must have ended not later than 5pm.

Bishop Baluku, the chairman of the diocesan synod reported that the resolution was passed during meetings held on July 23 and 24th, 2024, and now the church leaders will undertake efforts to educate people on efficient time management when planning such events.

“Any priest in this diocese of South Rwenzori seen at a wedding or giveaway function beyond 5pm should surely face the disciplinary council because that shows your carelessness! We are there to guide people not to watch them mess up with life. Let people leave party venues by 5pm not wasting time gossiping,” he said.

He said the decision was reached after extensive discussions among synod members, who expressed concern over widespread poverty leading to families struggling to afford even one meal a day.

“Why attend giveaway or wedding parties starting at 2pm when guests arrive as early as 9am? What puzzles me, especially at giveaway parties, is the lengthy dances by groups of women for guests, consuming up to half an hour, followed by speeches,” Bishop Baluku said.

“ I’m not discouraging you from attending parties, but at least prioritize your responsibilities, such as visiting your garden or business, and then attend the party around midday. After all, it’s not your party; you’re there only as a witness. Keep in mind that some people attend these functions just to gossip. We need to think beyond our immediate desires! The more time we waste on such activities, the more we will continue to lament about poverty,” Bishop Baluku narrated.

Ms Grace Kabugho Kimekeke, a Synod delegate, remarked that the resolution, if implemented, could have a significant impact.

“The problem lies with our young women; instead of engaging in productive work, some are busy attending parties as bridesmaids, to the extent that they will agree to any costs suggested by the bride just to be included. These young women often have no jobs, and even if they do, the cost is equal to their monthly salary. Do you expect them to become wealthy? Of course not. Their next option will be turning to sugar daddies, and the result will be misery,” she noted.

The South Rwenzori Diocese’s 10-year Strategic Plan, launched in May 2021, underscores the importance of poverty eradication, economic empowerment, and spiritual growth, among other goals in the diocese.