RUBIRIZI, Uganda — Learners in Rubirizi District have been urged to fear God, avoid sexual immorality, drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and other harmful behaviors if they are to become responsible and productive citizens in the future.
The call was made by Dr. Barbara Tushemerirwe, an evangelist with Scripture Union Uganda, while addressing students and teachers during a three-day Scripture Union Conference at Kirugu Secondary School in Katerera, Rubirizi District.
Dr. Tushemerirwe said the conference was organized to strengthen learners’ faith, instill discipline, and equip them with values that will enable them to make responsible life choices.
She said the conference focused on restoring hope, promoting purity, encouraging decent dressing, maintaining personal hygiene, self-discovery, and helping learners develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
“Young people must remain anchored in God, uphold purity, and avoid practices such as drug abuse, sexual immorality and alcohol consumption if they are to become responsible citizens and future leaders,” she said.
The Headteacher of Kirugu Secondary School, Asenath Bamureba Osiime, said the annual conference was held under the theme: “Anchored in Christ for Peace, Hope, Unity and Stability.”
She explained that the school organizes the Scripture Union Conference every year to provide learners with spiritual guidance, strengthen their moral values, and encourage them to develop discipline alongside academic excellence.
According to Osiime, the initiative has played a significant role in improving learners’ behaviour, strengthening relationships among students, and enhancing academic performance.
She also appealed to parents to continue supporting both the education and spiritual growth of their children by encouraging them to attend school and church regularly.
“Since we introduced Scripture Union activities at Kirugu Secondary School, we have witnessed positive changes in learners’ behaviour and improved academic performance. They have learned to love school, respect one another and grow closer to God,” she said.
Scripture Union student leaders Jennifer Mbambu and Alex Natuwera thanked the school administration for organizing the conference, saying the teachings have positively shaped both their academic journey and personal lives.
They said the sessions equipped learners with knowledge on self-discovery, personal hygiene, self-esteem, purity, and public speaking while warning them against early sexual relationships and negative peer influence.
The students noted that Scripture Union activities have helped them build confidence, make informed decisions, and develop skills that prepare them for future leadership.
Meanwhile, Boaz Tugumenawe, the Deputy Chaplain at Kirugu Secondary School, emphasized that spiritual growth, discipline, and strong moral values are essential in shaping responsible citizens.
He encouraged learners to repent, strengthen their faith, and live righteous lives, saying such conferences not only promote good morals but also revive spiritual life in schools and foster unity among learners.
The three-day conference brought together learners, teachers, and evangelists in a series of teachings, prayers, and mentorship sessions aimed at nurturing spiritually grounded, disciplined, and responsible young people capable of contributing positively to their communities.
