By Eumu Emmanuel
His Royal Highness Raphael Otaya, the cultural leader of the Kumam community, has called on parents to take greater responsibility in their children’s upbringing to address rising criminality in the region. Speaking at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish in Soroti, Otaya emphasized the role of families in shaping society’s moral fabric. He urged parents to actively guide their children and be present in their decisions, attributing much of the criminal activity to a lack of proper supervision.
Otaya stressed the importance of not only providing for children’s material needs but also nurturing their emotional, moral, and spiritual development. “It’s our duty as parents to teach them right from wrong and be role models,” he said.
Additionally, Otaya addressed the issue of tribalism, urging his people to embrace unity and reject divisions based on tribal identities. He described tribalism as a “poison” that hinders progress and called for peaceful coexistence among tribes, stating, “We need each other to grow and develop.”
His Royal Highness emphasized that unity is essential for regional development and prosperity, urging his community to live harmoniously with neighboring tribes. He reminded his audience that only by standing together can the community overcome challenges and build a better future.
His speech comes amid ongoing concerns about tribal divisions and rising youth involvement in crime. Many attendees at the mass praised his leadership and his message, agreeing that parents must take a more active role in instilling values in their children and that unity among tribes is critical for progress.
His message resonated with the congregation, who acknowledged the importance of both reducing criminality and fostering unity in the region.
Source: Teso News Network
