The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Johnson Twinomujuni, has cautioned young people against wasting time, abusing their bodies and engaging in high-risk behaviour, warning that such actions continue to endanger their lives and future prospects.
Bishop Twinomujuni made the remarks while officiating at the 17th annual diocesan youth and students' convention held at Bweranyangi.
The three-day event attracted more than 16,000 youths and students drawn from across West Ankole Diocese.
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Addressing the gathering, the bishop encouraged young people to embrace education as a foundation for purposeful living, stressing that learning should go hand in hand with practical experience and exposure.
"Education opens our eyes and gives light to the heart and mind. Education should be coupled with experience and exposure," Twinomujuni said.
The convention, held under the theme Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace, is organised annually to prepare young people for the academic year while strengthening their spiritual and moral foundations.
The bishop expressed concern over what he described as growing moral decadence among the youth, particularly the abuse of their bodies and involvement in risky behaviour that has led some to contract diseases such as HIV/AIDS at a young age.
"You find an old man or woman taking diabetic drugs just to live for the next day, but then you find a strong, energetic youth being lynched because he stole a chicken. That is total madness," he said.
Twinomujuni urged the youth to respect time and engage in productive activities, including agriculture and hands-on skills such as tailoring and knitting, instead of remaining idle.
"Youths should stop folding their arms as if they are lame. Respect time. Do not waste it. You can rest, but when you wake up, immediately embark on something beneficial to your life," he said.
He also cautioned young people against blindly copying Western culture, which he said is eroding African values and exposing especially young women to humiliation and loss of identity.
"Certain things are hard to describe. Imagine marrying a woman when everything she puts on her body is artificial, from nails and hair to other parts. That is how our culture has been degraded," he said.
The convention brings together youths and students from across the diocese with the aim of reviving their faith, providing career guidance, shaping social behaviour, promoting cultural values and encouraging peaceful and harmonious living.
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The event also featured sermons, motivational talks and presentations by guest speakers, including economists and professionals, aimed at building capacity and shaping the mindset of young people.
