Married couples have been encouraged to always attend programs and seminars which are meant to equip them with skills that build long lasting families. This call was made by Sr. Judith Atukwatse, coordinator of Family Ministry in Kabale Diocese while meeting couples at St. Peter’s Buyanja Catholic Parish in Rukungiri district on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Sr. Judith reminded couples to stop comparing their families with other families in terms of status but to move and perform within their means. She said that in marriage, couples should cultivate the culture of always appreciating and saying thank you to each other even in small matters. This builds confidence and trust in each other hence communicating that the other is valued. “When wronged, don’t forget the good in the other person and stick to the wrong done,” said Sr. Judith.
She reminded couples that challenges are always there but all should be taken to the Lord, for they cannot manage on their own without the help from God. She also reminded the couples to always evaluate themselves, identify their shortcomings and work on them.
Mark your words and tame your tongue in order not to annoy the other. There are also some couples that ill-talk each other amongst children not knowing that this leads to loss of dignity of parents among children – Sr. Judith Atukwatse.
Sr. Judith further implored couples to work together. “Husbands and wives, love each other, respect each other, take care of children together and help them grow into responsible adults,’ she said. “However, do this not on your own but with the help of God in prayer for a family that prays together, stays together,” said Sr. Judith.
Mrs. Honest Niwagaba, Chairperson of Holy Family Kabale Diocese also senior entomologist for Kabale District urged married couples to avoid comparing their spouses with others and warned that such comparison could lead to marriage break-up.
She urged wedded couples to join the Holy Family Apostolate whose membership stretches to the officially wedded couples, even to those who lost their spouses (husband or wife). She noted that with leadership, a couple (husband and wife) take up a particular post for example for when one member is elected a Chairperson, the couple takes up that role since the husband and wife are one.
Mrs. Honest reiterated that from the Holy Family of Nazareth of Joseph Mary and Jesus, spouses learn responsible parenthood, where each partner fulfills their duties. Modern families should learn to be hard working for the survival of their members.
St. Paul wrote to the wives of Colossae to be submissive to their husbands (Colossians 3:18), Husbands to love their wives and not to be sharp with them (Colossians 3:19) and the Children to be obedient to their parents always, because that is what pleases the Lord (Colossians 3:20). St. Paul also reminds the parents not to irritate their children or they will lose heart (Colossians 3:21).
Mr. Kamugisha Alex, the Chairperson of Holy Family apostolate in St. Peter’s Buyanja Parish said that 125 members from all the nine hiikas of Buyanja Parish attended the seminar. He thanked the parish administration for supporting the family apostolate. He thanked members who managed to attend the seminar and urged them to put in practice what they have taught and also share the information with other couples. He reminded members that the feast of Holy Family will be celebrated on December 28, 2025 and urged members to actively participate in the celebration.
Fr. Chrispino Mubangizi, curate of Buyanja Parish thanks Sr. Judith and Mrs. Honest for the package given to the married couples. He thanked members for attending in big numbers. He reminded the couples that forgiveness is key in building lasting marriages and both should work towards salvation of each other’s soul.