By Kabuye Ronald
The Rotary Club of Mengo marked World Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day at Kasubi C/U Primary School, with retired Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, calling on parents and the government to take a more active role in children’s education.
Speaking during a fundraising event for the school’s multi-purpose storied building, which will cost over 428 million shillings, Bishop Luwalira stressed the importance of parents taking responsibility for their children’s education rather than relying solely on government initiatives like the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program or religious institutions.
He urged parents to work hand-in-hand with school administrations and the government to create a conducive learning environment that not only ensures good grades but also fosters responsible, contributing citizens.
Bishop Luwalira, who was representing Namirembe Diocese’s current Bishop Moses Banja, who is abroad on official duties, also commended the Rotary Club of Mengo for its DEAR initiative, which promotes reading habits among children. The Bishop emphasized the transformative power of books in shaping individuals’ lives and communities.
In addition to his remarks, Bishop Luwalira commissioned a boys’ dormitory at Kasubi C/U Primary School, named Nambuli Hall in honor of the school’s headteacher, Rogers Nambuli. The fundraising event raised 37.5 million shillings toward the new building.
Rotary Club of Mengo President Pafrah Mulambuzi highlighted the importance of reading, stating that it plays a critical role in improving individuals, communities, and the nation.
He revealed that the club has distributed books to various schools and conducted needs assessments to improve the reading culture, noting that many schools may have books but lack guidance on how to effectively utilize them. Mulambuzi ended by quoting a powerful saying: “Two things change a person’s life — the books they read and the people they meet.”
