Busoga Diocese Bishop Paul Samson Naimanhye has voiced concern over the increasing incidence of child rights abuses, highlighting cases of abuse perpetrated by parents and guardians. Addressing attendees during a requiem mass for the late Eng. AKN Mwase at St. James Church in Jinja, Naimanhye lamented instances where parents fail to uphold the fundamental responsibility of safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring their well-being.
Naimanhye cited recent incidents in Jinja city’s Bugembe suburb, including the reported defilement of a 14-year-old girl by her 45-year-old father, who was left in charge of the children while his wife worked abroad. Additionally, he mentioned a case in Jinja district where a man is evading authorities after being accused of defiling a three-year-old child. These incidents, Naimanhye emphasized, underscore a pervasive moral decay in society that necessitates collective action to combat.
In his address, Naimanhye urged married couples to resolve conflicts amicably without subjecting children to undue harm. He commended the late Eng. AKN Mwase for his exemplary service to the Church and his commitment to his family’s welfare, particularly in providing education for his children. Describing Mwase as a disciplined and religious individual, Naimanhye highlighted his positive impact on those around him, noting his dedication to church activities and his respectful demeanor toward others.
Eng. Michael Mwase, one of the late Mwase’s children, remembered his father as a caring and principled man who instilled values of discipline and hard work. Brewer Abaliwano, a former schoolmate and colleague of Mwase, praised his integrity and humility, emphasizing his contributions to their alma mater, Busoga College Mwiri, and his distinguished career in textile engineering.
Asupasa Kivebulaya Nabulongo Mwase, born on July 12, 1932, in Naminage, Bugabula, Kamuli district, pursued his education at Busoga College Mwiri and later specialized in textile engineering in India, Poland, and England. He served in various textile industries in Jinja until his retirement in 1999. A devout member of the St. James Church choir and a councilor for the elderly at Jinja Municipal Council, Mwase passed away on February 11, 2024, and was laid to rest on February 15, 2024, at Butiki village in Jinja city.
