Masaka Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has raised concern over what he described as a growing fear of parenthood among modern youth, warning that avoiding having children undermines family values and society’s future.
The Bishop said many young people are shying away from starting families due to fear of responsibility and the ongoing global economic challenges. However, he emphasized that no form of wealth surpasses the blessing of children in a home.
Bishop Jjumba made the remarks while presiding over a Thanksgiving Mass at Bisanje Parish, held in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Andrea Averino Ssettuba, who were celebrating 50 years of holy matrimony.
The Ssettuba couple is blessed with 11 children, including two Catholic priests; Rev. Fr. Joseph Kayongo of Tororo Diocese and Rev. Fr. Silver Mabirizi of Masaka Diocese.
Reflecting on earlier generations, the Bishop noted that parents in the past often raised between 15 and 18 children despite limited financial means. He criticized the modern trend where young couples opt for only one child, or at most three or four, citing the high cost of living as justification.
According to Bishop Jjumba, previous generations may not have been wealthy, but they raised hardworking, disciplined, and resilient children. He observed that many young people today prioritize luxurious lifestyles and expensive living, which discourages them from embracing parenthood.
He urged parents to stop complaining about the cost of raising and educating children, advising them instead to enroll their children in schools that match their financial capabilities rather than overstretching family resources.
The Bishop also encouraged Christians to implement the Masaka Diocese’s 2025–2026 theme, “Deepening Hygiene and Environmental Protection through Basic Christian Communities.” He called on every household to plant trees for firewood, timber, and fruit as a practical way of conserving the environment.
He praised the Ssettuba family for responsible land management and for planting various tree species within their compound as a model for environmental stewardship.
In his remarks, Mr. Andrea Ssettuba thanked God for sustaining their marriage through numerous challenges over the past five decades. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Rose Ssettuba, for her unwavering support and commitment to raising their children, even during difficult times.
Mr. Ssettuba advised parents to remain steadfast in their marriages and to discipline their children firmly, cautioning that excessive pampering breeds laziness and indiscipline.
The celebration attracted a large congregation, including Christians, local leaders, and members of the clergy.
