Shalom and Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ!
Today, we gather to celebrate the Day of the African Child, a significant occasion recognized annually across the continent. This day is not merely a commemoration; it’s a clarion call to action, prompting us to reflect deeply on the well-being of our children and our responsibility towards them.
The Day of the African Child, established by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1991, commemorates the tragic events of June 16th, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. On that day, hundreds of Black school children were killed by the apartheid regime while protesting for their right to education in their own language. This horrific event serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by African children throughout history and the ongoing fight for their rights and protection. It underscores the importance of our commitment to the well-being of our young people.
This year’s theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights and Imitating God’s Goodness,” directly addresses the practical and spiritual dimensions of our responsibility towards our children. It’s a call for us, guided by the African Union’s mandate and the vision of the Church of Uganda, to move beyond platitudes and engage in concrete actions.
