UGANDA: Bishop Kibira Warns Against Neglecting the Boy Child

Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale of the Diocese of Kasese warned that focusing empowerment efforts solely on girls could leave boys vulnerable to social and economic challenges. Speaking at St. John the Evangelist Minor Seminary-Kiburara, the bishop called for a balanced approach to child development that provides equal opportunities in education, welfare, rights protection, and empowerment for both boys and girls.

Bishop Kibira noted that his interactions with young people show a worrying decline in the development and performance of boys. He observed that girls are becoming more confident and academically competitive, which he partly attributed to the increasing emphasis on girl-child empowerment. He urged parents, schools, churches, and other stakeholders to ensure boys are included in programs designed to improve the welfare and future prospects of children.

The bishop made these remarks while presiding over Holy Mass at the seminary, where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation and dedicated candidates before their final examinations. During the same service, he also urged parents and catechists to teach catechism in local languages.