Masaka Diocese Bishop Severus Jjumba has announced plans to inspect all Catholic-founded schools in the diocese to identify institutions allowing students to braid their hair, saying he will direct them to stop the practice immediately.
Bishop Jjumba said allowing young schoolchildren to braid their hair makes them appear older than their age, particularly pupils in lower primary classes such as P.2 and P.3, which he described as inappropriate.
He said he would officially write to all Catholic-founded schools directing them to end the practice, adding that he was prepared to maintain a smaller student population if some parents chose to withdraw their children and transfer them to other schools.
“I would rather have fewer students who are walking on the right path,” he said.
The Bishop made the remarks while celebrating Holy Mass at the home of Mr. Festo Kaweesi and Maria Yunkunda Nalwadda in Kyato, Kalungu Parish, Kalungu District.
The Mass was held to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, give thanks to God for the gift of religious vocation bestowed on their daughter, Rev. Sr. Teddy Namata of the Daughters of Mary Bwanda, and celebrate the gift of their nine children, whom they successfully educated to become doctors, priests, nuns, teachers and professionals in various fields.
Bishop Jjumba said strong families are built on a firm foundation, noting that parents should plan for their children’s future by working hard to earn the resources needed to educate them.
He said responsible parents should ensure that their children have the necessary requirements, including school uniforms, shoes, books and other materials needed for effective learning.
The Bishop also cautioned parents against developing a culture of expecting free services and relying on the government or well-wishers to meet their children’s educational needs. He urged parents to take responsibility for paying school fees and providing the requirements their children need, saying such commitment ultimately benefits the entire family.
The Member of Parliament for Kalungu East, Joseph Ssewungu, welcomed the Bishop’s initiative, saying a ban on braided hair would help promote equality among students and improve academic standards.
Ssewungu said some children spend considerable time attending to their hairstyles during school hours, potentially distracting them from their studies.
Meanwhile, the celebrants advised married couples and those preparing for marriage not to build their relationships on love alone. They urged couples to establish their families on strong values, with God at the centre of their lives.
They emphasized the importance of raising children with good morals, working hard to provide for the family, honoring God and learning to forgive one another when mistakes occur, saying these values can help couples remain strong during difficult times.
