By Mike Rwothomio

The Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Constantine Rupiny, has called on students to avoid the sin of fornication and early romantic relationships, urging them to focus on their studies for a life of dignity and God's promised prosperity.

He delivered this message at Oturgang Catholic Church in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, during a Thanksgiving Mass that included the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation for hundreds of learners from Paidha Secondary School, Oturgang Boys and Girls Primary Schools, Fridget Nursery and Primary School, St. Bakhita Nursery and Primary School, and other schools.

Speaking to hundreds of students and parishioners at Oturgang Catholic Church on Friday, October 3, 2025, Bishop Rupiny stressed the importance of a "morally good life" and the value of education.

He explained that fornication harms a student's future through its many risks, both spiritual and physical.

"Avoid fornication in school, you have come here for education, not to sin," Bishop Rupiny told the learners . He added, "Let the same pure spirit that was in the life of Mary be in us all."

The high rates of fornication among young students and adolescents have been blamed for increased school dropout rates, as it often leads to early marriage and teenage pregnancies.

The Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rupiny Constantine, administered the Sacrament of Holy Confirmation to learners at Oturgang Catholic Church in Paidha Parish On October 3, 2025. Photo by Mike Rwothomio.

In Zombo District, the 10 percent dropout rate among students remains a serious challenge that leaders are working to overcome.

The Bishop's words address the ongoing problems of early marriage and teenage pregnancies in the Greater Nebbi Sub-region, which are largely exacerbated by fornication among youth, especially those of school age.

In the years after COVID-19, the Greater Nebbi Sub-region recorded over 7,000 cases of teenage pregnancies. Leaders have called for a united effort from religious, political, and cultural figures to combat this vice.

Bishop Rupiny again emphasized the need for a "morally good life," calling students to commit fully to their education as a path to holiness.He also encouraged students to honor and help their parents, as commanded in Scripture, and to use their God-given talents to succeed in a world of opportunities.

He praised Paidha Seed Secondary School for their strong yearly contributions to extracurricular activities, which honor the school and the community.

The Bishop's teaching comes just days after the Alur Kingdom announced 11 commitments to tackle HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancies, and early marriage, all focused on promoting education and healthy, God-honoring living among its people.

Speaking to students at Paidha Secondary School, Zombo District's Senior Inspector of Schools, Silvio Jalar, urged them to "improve their academic performance" for a better future, while putting spiritual growth ahead of bodily desires.

During the event, the LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Town Council, Innocent Godfred Onega, also called on students to focus on education and to be sound-minded in body, soul, and spirit, as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Stakeholders note that sexual relationships among school students bring serious dangers, including higher risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions, all of which can lead to school dropout. Psychologically, students may face stress, anxiety, and depression, which harm their focus and academic success.

Students of St Augustine Paidha Secondary School in Zombo District Welcomes the Lord Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese Rupiny Constantine at the School, during the Thanksgiving Mass of the school on Friday , October 3, 2025. Photo/Mike Rwothomio

In Uganda, child marriage, often sparked by early romantic relationships among school-aged youth, is a major issue affecting both boys and girls.

About 34% of girls marry before age 18, and 6% of boys do the same. This is more common in rural areas and driven by poverty, economic pressures, and limited education. Child marriage is closely tied to teenage pregnancy, with one in four girls aged 15-19 pregnant or already a mother, according to UNICEF.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations