Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Dr. John Senyonyi has urged university students and families that have never embraced Christ as their personal savior to do so while they have the chance because “no one is sure of tomorrow.”
Dr Senyonyi addressed the paramount issues many have forgotten as a result of broken families in the contemporary society during a two-day conference organized by the AfriChild Centre and Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) at the institution’s main campus in Mukono between May 21 and 22.
Often, Dr Senyonyi explained, many compromise the lessons that are much needed in keeping a family together, in exchange for selfish actions that only gorge our appetite.
“It is a risk to live without Jesus as your personal savior because no one is sure of tomorrow – You need to clean your life before it’s too late,” he said.
The aim of the conference was to provide a forum to reflect on state of the family, threats and opportunities to its existence and mainstreaming family issues at policy level.
The chief guest was Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the first lady and Minister of Education and Sports.
“If we have loveless families, we are going to have a loveless nation,” she said in her speech.
“Urbanisation has had a great influence to changes in family but the greatest issue is absent parents,” the First Lady added.
Rev. Dr. Sam Luboga, the key note speaker said there are a few important habits to adopt in order to keep a family strengthened among which he cited love.
“Love in a family is not something you say. It is something you do. Respect your children and the best way is to spend time with them. Eat at least one meal with your family. Show them affection and most importantly lead by example,” he said.
This highly interactive event brought together religious, cultural and political leaders; researchers and non-governmental organizations.
It was held under the theme: “The Family in the 21st Century: Strong? In Crisis? Changing? What is the future of this foundational unit of life in the community and nation?”
According to Joyce Wanican, the executive director AfriChild, profound changes are shaping and modelling the contemporary family and marriage.
Among the changes that are defining modern day families and marriages are: relaxed sexual rules that facilitate cohabiting; skyrocketing divorce rates and the fight for equality between men and women-thanks to the feminist movement.
“From their first moments of life, children depend on parents and family to protect them and provide for their needs. Families have an important role for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their children. Therefore, this conference comes in engage all stakeholders to develop a road map to strengthen families in Uganda,”
By UG Christian News Correspondent.
