news 6 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda Advocates for Robust Pre-Marital Counselling to Combat Marriage Breakdowns
The Nnabagereka of Buganda, Lady Sylvia Nagginda, has urged the Church of Uganda to enhance pre-marital counselling, citing its inadequacy as a contributing factor to rising divorce rates and domestic instability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nnabagereka-urges-church-to-strengthen-pre-marital-counselling-to-save-marriages-5548598
The Nnabagereka of Buganda, Lady Sylvia Nagginda, has voiced concerns that the Church of Uganda is not adequately preparing couples for marriage through its pre-marital counselling sessions. Speaking at the 28th Provincial Assembly of the Church of Uganda, she highlighted that many couples view counselling as a mere formality, leading to marriages that lack essential guidance and preparation.
Lady Nagginda warned that this superficial approach to counselling is a significant driver of escalating issues such as domestic violence, divorce, substance abuse, polygamy, and the proliferation of street children. She implored the Church to allocate sufficient time to counselling and to implement ongoing seminars for married couples to foster stronger, more stable families.
Beyond marital support, the Nnabagereka also called for intensified advocacy against gender-based violence and the creation of safe havens for survivors. She expressed support for medical insurance schemes and dedicated funds to assist vulnerable patients in Church-run health facilities.
Furthermore, she challenged the Church to take a leading role in environmental stewardship, emphasizing biblical mandates for conservation through tree planting, wetland protection, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy. The Nnabagereka also stressed the importance of Church-founded schools focusing on character development alongside academic achievement, linking moral upbringing to the reduction of societal ills.
Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba acknowledged the historical contributions of the Buganda Kingdom to the introduction of Christianity and modern services, while also celebrating the Church’s extensive network of institutions. He thanked the Kabaka and Nnabagereka for their support to various societal development initiatives. Discussions also touched upon curriculum reviews by institutions like Uganda Christian University to better equip clergy to handle marital and family challenges, and partnerships with entities like Equity Bank to alleviate poverty, a recognized cause of family breakdown.