Masaka Diocese Bishop Serverus Jjumba has criticised school administrators for denying learners access to school over unpaid feeding fees, urging education leaders to handle the matter responsibly and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on parents.
Bishop Jjumba made the remarks during the annual pilgrimage Mass at the birthplace of Uganda Martyr Bruno Sserunkuma, held at the martyr’s parish in Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka City.
Thousands of Christians gathered at the site to commemorate the martyr, who grew up in the area.
The Mass was presided over by Bishop Jjumba and attended by several priests, including his vicar general, Monsignor Dr Dominic Ssengoba, the diocesan chancellor, Rev Fr Charles Jude Juko, and the parish priest, Rev Fr Martin Ssewanyana.
In his homily, Bishop Jjumba expressed concern over the treatment of learners whose parents fail to pay money required for meals and porridge at school.
He said school administrators and other education leaders should not harass parents over feeding fees, arguing that schools have governing bodies responsible for addressing such matters.
The Bishop called on school managers to exercise restraint and seek appropriate solutions instead of allowing disputes over feeding costs to affect learners.
He emphasised that school administrators should not be subjected to unnecessary pressure over these matters, noting that schools have established management structures to guide their operations.
Bishop Jjumba also urged parents to take responsibility for their children's education and welfare, saying this was the time for every parent to do what is right for their children.
He acknowledged the government's contribution to education but noted that government funding does not cover all school requirements, making parental support necessary to meet learners' needs.
The bishop called on parents to provide guidance to their children and raise them in the Christian faith, emphasising the importance of discipline and religious upbringing.
Turning to community leadership, Bishop Jjumba called for fairness and expressed concern about the conduct of some local council leaders in rural communities.
He further urged Christians to strengthen their faith by drawing inspiration from the life and sacrifice of Bruno Sserunkuma.
The bishop also called on the faithful to continue praying for Monsignor Aloysius Ngobya, expressing hope that he would eventually be declared among the saints.
Meanwhile, Fr Ssewanyana, the parish priest, thanked individuals and well-wishers who had supported various missionary activities at the parish, including the ongoing construction of a priests' residence.
The Pokino of Buddu, Jude Muleke, and Masaka Diocese's lay leader, Regina Kitaka, also addressed the congregation, urging Christians to reject evil and emulate the virtues demonstrated by Bruno Sserunkuma.
They encouraged believers to draw lessons from the martyr's life and remain committed to Christian values.
In a separate message, Brigadier General Wilson Bagonza Rwakanara, the Deputy Commander of the Kasijagirwa Army Division, called on Ugandans to preserve peace and promote stability in their communities.
The annual pilgrimage brought together Christians who gathered to pray, reflect on the martyr's legacy and renew their commitment to faith and service.