Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called for stronger families built on prayer, peace and personal responsibility, saying stable homes are critical to raising responsible children and building a better Uganda.
Tayebwa made the call on Wednesday, October 7, while speaking at the 13th Women Forum of the Uganda National Prayer Breakfast at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The forum brought together women Members of Parliament, women from the private sector and other guests, including Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, the Nnaabagereka of Buganda, as well as international guests.
Tayebwa said the family remains one of the most important institutions in society because the values children learn at home often influence how they behave in the wider community.
“I do believe that in whatever we are doing, the institution of the family is the important institution that will shine,” Tayebwa said.
He warned that children can suffer when they grow up in unstable homes where parents fail to provide a safe and supportive environment.
“If you have a broken family full of drunkards, then the children are not going to grow in the right way,” he said.
Tayebwa urged both men and women to take responsibility for creating peaceful homes, saying family responsibilities should not be left to one partner.
He also condemned domestic violence, saying violence should never be justified based on the sex of either the victim or the perpetrator.
“The standard should be the same,” Tayebwa said.
He said men and women should be held to the same standards when it comes to respecting their partners and protecting children from violence and other forms of abuse.
Tayebwa also linked strong families to integrity, urging Ugandans to begin by examining their own conduct before demanding accountability from others.
“Integrity is not for other people. Integrity is for you. You start with yourself,” he said.
He said prayer should not only be a religious activity but should also inspire people to act responsibly in their homes, workplaces and communities.
“A country is built by people who can pray that prayer and then go and work,” he said.
He encouraged greater appreciation of women’s contribution to raising children, supporting families and participating in community development.
