NELSON K
Members of the Nyakibale Deanery Catholic Women Association have been urged to live as women of integrity, responsibility, and discipline, reconcile regularly, and focus on building a better future for their children and ensuring family stability.
Today, 8th March 2026, mothers under the Nyakibale Catholic Women Association celebrated International Women’s Day in style. The celebrations began with a procession through town, led by a band that provided entertainment.
However, the celebrations, which were mobilized by the Nyakibale Deanery Chaplain Rev. Father Ndyomugabe Balthazar, were initially planned to take place at St. Gerald’s Playground. Due to heavy rains that occurred yesterday, the venue was changed, forcing the organizers to hold the event at the Nyakibale Catholic Church Parish compound.
While preaching to the women, the Nyakibale Deanery Chaplain Rev. Father Ndyomugabe Balthazar hailed women as the strongest foundation of the nation by nature, noting that they nurture future generations and play a key role in family progress. However, recognizing that women face many challenges, he urged them to actively participate in the development of their families and guide their children on the right path for a better future. He also warned some women not to allow themselves to be overpowered by their own sons and daughters whom they have educated.
He further advised them on how to raise their children and transform their families in the right way by maintaining discipline, showing love to their husbands, embracing reconciliation, being exemplary, and striving to be game changers in the fight against poverty. He assured the women who attended that the celebrations will take place every year at the same venue and pledged to continue mobilizing members by visiting all Hikas to encourage participation in women’s associations.
He additionally urged women to focus on educating their children. While he acknowledged that priority has been given to girl child education, he also called for increased attention to the boy child, noting that boys have been unfairly neglected, which has led to poor performance in socio-economic activities and negative lifestyles.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Debrah Mwesigwa from Lugazi Diocese, a retired RDC, while representing the Lugazi Diocese Women President Mrs. Florence Kwesigabo, extended warm greetings from Lugazi Diocese. She hailed the President of Mothers Union Mrs. Maria Ansumputa Kidudu and praised Nyakibale Deanery for recognizing the value of women and organizing such an impressive event to celebrate the contribution of women toward national development.
In the message she delivered on behalf of the Lugazi Diocese Women President, she urged women to be God-fearing by relying on prayer to overcome challenges and raising their children in a Christ-fearing way for a better future. She warned them not to overstretch themselves by enrolling their children in expensive private schools they cannot afford. Instead, she encouraged them to consider UPE government schools and Presidential Skilling Hubs.
She also encouraged mothers to ensure their children learn productive skills to improve their lives and future personal development.
She further warned women to value time, remain busy, and engage in productive work, reminding them that life is short and often surrounded by unreliable friendships and uncertain circumstances. She urged them to focus on themselves, love themselves, and take care of their well-being.
She also called upon women to participate in government programs by engaging with Community Development Officers (CDOs) and benefiting from initiatives such as UWEP and PDM, noting that these funds support family development and have low interest rates. However, she warned them against borrowing money from money lenders and banks that charge high interest rates.
The Nyakibale Deanery Women Association Chairperson Mrs. Annah Bandonda, while speaking to fellow members, praised all women for their cooperation and for helping to build the Catholic Church on a strong foundation. She urged them to continue working even harder, feel proud of themselves, reconcile, and reunite with their families to promote peace, unity, and stability.
The Kabale Diocese Catholic Women Chairperson, Mrs. Mbonigaba Sophie, who is also the Vice National President of the Catholic Women Association and had travelled from Kisoro District, commended the Nyakibale Deanery women for being cooperative, strong, and God-fearing.
She urged them to rely on prayer, continue serving as role models as mothers, and maintain their commitment to serving God and the Catholic Church. She noted that such dedication would bring blessings to their families and contribute to their personal development as women of integrity. She also called upon them to participate in the Catholic Women’s visit to Spain in Europe, where a worldwide women’s president will be elected in June 2027.
Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Mrs. Maria Ansumputa Kidudu, the National Catholic Women Chairperson President, hailed the Catholic Church in Rukungiri for being cooperative and united. She honored Nyakibale Deanery for prioritizing service to God and the Catholic Church, saying this demonstrates God’s grace, compassion, and mercy on earth.
She praised Catholic Church leaders for recognizing the value of women and acknowledging them as the strongest foundation of any nation. She urged women to remain loyal, united, and cooperative in their communities. She also called upon them to pray daily, reconcile, and serve their families with responsibility and love.
