By URN
Muslim leaders in Fort Portal City have called on men to take a more active role in raising their children, saying many fathers have abandoned the parenting responsibilities to mothers.
While preaching during Eid al-Adha prayers at the Fort Portal Main Mosque on Wednesday, Sheikh Shaban Mugisa, the Secretary for Dawa at Tooro Muslim District, said parenting is a collective responsibility that requires both fathers and mothers to nurture children in a Godly and socially acceptable manner.
Sheikh Mugisa, however, noted many men have become donors and sponsors in the lives of their children, leaving mothers with the burden of instilling discipline and teaching values.
He urged fathers to spend more time guiding their children morally and spiritually instead of only providing financial support.
The Sheik also expressed concern over the increasing cases of murder and human sacrifice related to witchcraft, noting that society has abandoned humanity in the pursuit of wealth.
He referred to the story of Prophet Abraham, saying Allah provided a ram for sacrifice instead of his son Ishmael, which should teach people the value of human life.
He also called upon Muslims to remain submissive to Allah, help the needy, and promote humanity in society.
During the same prayers, Sheikh Swaibu Tibenda, the County Sheik of Fort Portal, urged Muslims to follow Ministry of Health guidelines to prevent the spread of Ebola, including washing hands, avoiding handshakes, and observing other standard operating procedures.
Aisha Kabagenyi, a mother of four from Fort Portal City, said many mothers are overwhelmed because fathers leave all parenting responsibilities to them.
She says that men leave home early in the morning and come back late at night when children are already asleep, and they have no interaction with their children.
She said children need guidance from both parents to grow into disciplined and responsible citizens.
Hakim Kugonza advised fathers to create time for their children despite busy work schedules, noting that children who grow up without close guidance from fathers are more likely to engage in bad behavior.
