KAMPALA (UGNEWSLINE) — The Chaplain of St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School, Nsambya (SPENSAN), Rev. Fr. Wenceslaus Kkonde, has raised concern over the declining moral standards among students, blaming the trend partly on poor communication between parents and their children.
Fr. Kkonde made the remarks on October 7, 2026, during a Mass for the school’s 406 Senior Four candidates, where he urged parents to strengthen family relationships through love, regular conversations and open discussions about the challenges facing young people.
He warned that the growing communication gap between parents and their children could leave students vulnerable to negative influences and behaviours that threaten their personal development and future prospects.
The chaplain also expressed concern over reports of young people becoming involved in various forms of misconduct, including drug abuse and exposure to pornographic content.
He called on parents to take a more active role in guiding their children, while encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their decisions and consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
Fr. Kkonde commended the parents and school administration for working together to provide students with a holistic education that combines academic achievement, moral formation and personal development.
He wished the 406 candidates success as they prepared to sit their final examinations, urging them to remain disciplined and focused on their future ambitions.
Meanwhile, the school’s headmistress, Elizabeth Asiimwe Kyaragaire, highlighted the institution’s efforts to prepare learners for life beyond the classroom through academic, professional and extracurricular activities.
She said students had participated in national and continental inter-school competitions across various fields, giving them opportunities to develop their talents, broaden their knowledge and build confidence.
Kyaragaire added that teachers had equipped learners with essential technical and life skills through career guidance, entrepreneurship training, Apostolate Movement activities aimed at nurturing Catholic Christian values, and programmes promoting discipline.
Reflecting on her professional journey at the school, Kyaragaire said her rise from a classroom teacher to headmistress over 14 years had required dedication, perseverance and a strong commitment to service.
“Having served in this school 14 years ago, starting as a humble classroom teacher and growing through the ranks to become headmistress was not an easy task. But I had to recommit my desire to serve my God and country, a path you should emulate,” she said.
She encouraged students to embrace hard work, commitment and service as they prepared for the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.
Calls for stronger parent-student relationships
The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Ssekasanvu Simon Peter, praised the school board for providing the technical and logistical support necessary for the institution to fulfil its responsibilities.
He also commended parents for meeting their financial and other obligations to the school, noting that cooperation between families and school administrators was essential to learners’ success.
Ssekasanvu urged parents to maintain close relationships with their children during the school holidays, encouraging them to initiate informal, open conversations about everyday experiences and real-life challenges.
He emphasised that consistent communication between parents and children could help young people navigate difficult situations, make responsible decisions and uphold the values instilled in them at school.
The school leadership underscored the importance of a shared responsibility among parents, teachers and school administrators in nurturing disciplined, responsible and morally grounded young people.
