He said: “Abaagala abaana baabwe basomere bwereere era bagenda kusomera bwereere!” meaning that those who want their children to study entirely for free risk gaining little from the education system.
The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Enos Kitto Kagodo, has challenged the Government over its policy discouraging parents from making financial contributions towards the education of their children, saying the position is leaving some public schools struggling to meet their staffing needs.
Kagodo said some church-owned and government-aided schools are facing difficulties after parents stopped making contributions towards the payment of teachers hired to supplement those employed by the Government.
He made the remarks on Monday during the burial of his mother, Ruth Kibirige Nkumye, at Mpumu Village in Ntenjeru-Kisoga Town Council, Mukono District.
Nkumye, who was born in 1928, died at the age of 98. She was a mother of 10 children, nine of whom are still alive.
Kagodo said he was particularly concerned about a secondary school in his diocese with nearly 2,000 students, where the Government employs only 27 teachers.
“I am worried. I have a secondary school in my diocese which has close to 2,000 students and the Government is paying for 27 teachers there. Unfortunately, given the current curriculum, those are not enough,” Kagodo said.
He explained that the school management committee had hired an additional 20 teachers, whose salaries were being met through contributions from parents.
However, he said the situation changed after parents stopped paying following the Government’s campaign against schools asking them to make additional contributions.
“Unfortunately, given the current drive, parents last term declined to pay and those teachers have gone without pay. Then what can we do?” the bishop asked.
Kagodo warned that parents who expect their children to receive completely free education could end up compromising the quality of education they receive.
He said: “Abaagala abaana baabwe basomere bwereere era bagenda kusomera bwereere!” meaning that those who want their children to study entirely for free risk gaining little from the education system.
Kaziimba praises Nkumye
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who led the burial service, described the death of Nkumye as a particularly difficult moment for Bishop Kagodo, who normally comforts Christians during bereavement but was now mourning his own mother.
Kaziimba likened Kagodo’s situation to that of a breakdown (towing van) that breaks down while pushing another vehicle on a slippery road, asking what happens when the person providing support is also unable to continue.
The Archbishop urged parents to emulate Nkumye’s example by investing time and effort in raising responsible children.
“Some of you have two children but you fail to guide and groom them into rightful people. But the hero we are sending off today, Maama Ruth, gave birth to 10 children, raised and groomed them into the people you are seeing today,” Kaziimba said.
Museveni honours Nkumye
President Yoweri Museveni also paid tribute to Nkumye, describing her as a mother who successfully raised and groomed her children into responsible citizens.
His condolence message was delivered by the Minister for Public Service, retired Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala.
“We honour Maama Nkumye at her final send-off, attended by hundreds of mourners, a significant sign that she played her motherly role very well. Giving birth to children, taking care of them and grooming them into responsible citizens, including a bishop, she deserves this kind of honour,” Museveni said.
Museveni said losing a mother is particularly painful because of the many responsibilities mothers undertake, not only in giving birth but also in raising, nurturing and shaping their children.
Katumba urged mourners to draw lessons from Nkumye’s life and apply them to their own families.
“Different speakers have addressed us. We should not just leave this message for the deceased because they have been praising her. If you are a child, pick the message reflected to children. If you are a mother, take what has been spoken about Maama Ruth on how she managed to take care of her 10 children, and if you are a father, also pick something,” he said.
Katumba also weighed in on Kagodo’s concerns about parents’ contributions to education, questioning who should shoulder the responsibility of educating children if parents withdraw their support.
“It is unfortunate that the bishop has taken time to observe parents giving up their responsibilities of educating their children to the extent that one is asked to at least pay Sh100,000 for the education of his or her children and makes an alarm to President Museveni. Then who should we blame?” Katumba asked.
Oboth mourns Nkumye
The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, also mourned Nkumye, saying her influence extended beyond her immediate family because of the impact Bishop Kagodo has had on Christians through his ministry.
His condolence message was delivered by Mukono District Woman MP Sheila Draville Amaniyo.
“A mother’s loss is never borne by one person alone. The woman who raised you, prayed over you and set your feet on the path through which you became our shepherd was, in truth, a mother to all who have heard the Word of God these past years,” Oboth said.
He added that Kagodo’s ministry had touched many lives through baptisms, counselling and spiritual guidance.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, also sent a condolence message, which was read by the Second Deputy Katikkiro, Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa. He praised Nkumye for having walked her life journey diligently.
‘She gave me extra love’
Bp. Kagodo described his mother as an exemplary woman who loved all her children and did everything possible for their wellbeing.
“However much she loved her children equally, I can attest that, as her last born, she gave me extra love. She guided me to the person I am today. I thank God that He enabled me to take care of her for all this long,” he said.
The burial service was attended by several serving and retired bishops from the Buganda and Busoga dioceses, as well as political and community leaders.
President Museveni contributed Sh10 million towards the burial, while Speaker Oboth contributed Sh5 million.
Among the dignitaries who attended were Mukono County MP Robert Maseruka, Kayunga District Woman MP Harriet Nakwede, Fred Baseke, Ntenjeru South MP Ssekiboobo of Kyaggwe County, Vincent Matovu and Mukono Municipality Mayor Robert Peter Kabanda, among others.
