By Mike Rwothomio

Believers in Nebbi Anglican Diocese , were solemnly called to repent of all forms of violence and mistreatment against children, recognizing them as precious blessings from the Lord and a heritage from Him, as declared in Psalm 127:3.

This as Church of Uganda, joined the faithful across the province in solemnly observing Sunday School Week on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Preaching at St. Paul Church of Uganda in Mvungu, Paidha Town Parish , Goli Central Archdeaconry, Jackson Oyikuru, Sunday School leader at Paidha Town Parish, addressed hundreds of congregants under the theme “Children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.

Oyikuru lamented the grievous sins afflicting the innocent in homes and communities, including inhumane beatings through excessive corporal punishment, child sacrifice, starvation, neglect, and other abuses. He declared these acts contrary to the tender compassion Jesus Christ showed toward little children, as recorded in Matthew 19:14, when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

“We beat them, we withhold the love they deserve, we despise them and fail to include them in our decisions,” Oyikuru told the congregation, urging a profound change of heart among God's people.

He called for faithful observance and practice of activities that uphold children's rights, in alignment with Scriptural mandates to protect the vulnerable.

Lay leader Jimmy Bidong of St. Paul Church echoed this divine imperative, appealing for dignity, respect, and Christ-like love toward children to make the world a Godly dwelling place.

The observance highlighted the historical roots of Sunday School in the Church of Uganda, tracing back to 19th-century efforts by the British missionaries , who adapted the 18th-century English Sunday School movement.

This ministry provided biblical instruction, literacy, and moral formation to nurture faith and spiritual growth among the young, serving as the “nursery of the church” to raise future disciples.

Sunday School Week featured week-long programs of Bible recitation, sacred singing, dancing, drama, and other edifying activities, culminating in a special Lord's Day service dedicated to children's spiritual nourishment.

Church leaders expressed alarm over persistent child abuse and neglect in areas such as Zombo District, where violent discipline remains commonplace despite legal bans in schools.

Between January and April 2025, the district's probation department handled 3–5 child desertion cases weekly, according to District Probation and Welfare Officer Sam Okello.These troubling realities stand in stark opposition to God's clear commands.

As stewards of His gifts, parents, teachers, and communities are urged to repent of harsh treatment and instead bring up children “in the training and instruction of the Lord,” as commanded in Ephesians 6:4—providing food, safety, education, and tender love as acts of true worship.

National and global reports, including the 2018 Violence Against Children Survey and UNICEF data, reveal the scale of this affliction in Uganda where lifetime prevalence of sexual violence in childhood affects approximately 35% of girls and 17% of boys, while physical violence impacts around 59% of girls and 68% of boys, often through violent discipline or beatings by caregivers or authority figures.

Jackson Oyikuru, a prominent Sunday school teacher delivered a powerful summon at St Paul church of Uganda Mvungu.

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