Magistrate urges Islamic education to combat moral decay

By Hashim Kalungi

Bukomansimbi Grade One Magistrate, Aisha Natembo, has cited the teaching children the Quran and Islamic principles as a measure to address what she described as rising cases of immorality and violence in communities.

She made the call while speaking at the speech day for Ibin Abbas Islamic Primary School in Kitenga, Masaka, an event themed around morality.

Natembo argued that a religious foundation is a key differentiator in personal conduct, even in professional settings. She said tackling the country’s challenge of moral decay requires a return to teaching children morals in schools, highlighting the role of Muslim-founded institutions in this effort.

“If the country is to address the challenge of moral decay in societies, we have to go back to schools and teach the children morals so that we can have a new generation of people that are cautious of them,” she said.

Citing her own background, Natembo stated that she is a product of madrasa education from Nusurat and Shuhada in Mbarara. She said her career is evidence that students from such schools can succeed in both theological and secular fields.

She added that with Muslim schools now widespread across the country, parents have little excuse not to enroll their children.

The magistrate also directly addressed Muslim girls and women, encouraging them to maintain their veils. She described the veil as a source of identity and protection.

“I urge you that never be intimidated by anyone to remove your veils,” she said. “Some people have ended up abandoning their veils because they want to fit in societies of those that don’t veil but be aware that the veil can give you courage to do the right.”

During the event, she also commended the school’s administration for maintaining a clean and organized learning environment, noting that good hygiene helps prevent illness among students.

In a separate address at the Hafla of Kyotera Islamic Primary School, the Amir Umah, Sheikh Yunus Kamoga, echoed the call for Islamic education. He warned parents against sending their children to non-Muslim schools, calling it a risk to their well-being in this life and the hereafter.

“let’s try our best to teach our children the Quran and their religion. It’s beneficial to them and the communities where they live if we are to have a God-fearing generation after us,” Sheikh Kamoga said.

He framed teaching the Quran as an underrated form of Sadaqah, or charity, and stated that the proliferation of Muslim-founded schools has made such education accessible.

Over 30 children at the Kyotera event received certificates for completing the memorization of the Quran and Hadiths.