Kumam Cultural Leader impulse Parents to Tackle Criminality and Promote Unity in the Sub-Region
HRH Raphael Othaya, the cultural leader of the Kumwam community, has called on parents to take more responsibility in their children’s education to curb the growing crime in the area.

Speaking to a congregation at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish in Soroti today, HRH stressed the role of the family in shaping the moral and social fabric of society and called on parents to be more proactive in educating their children to be positive.
In his speech, HRH Othaya highlighted the alarming rise in crime in the area, which he attributed in part to a lack of parental supervision and guidance. He appealed to parents to prioritise the welfare of their children and ensure they grow up with the values āāand discipline required to be responsible members of society. “Crime is on the rise and much of it can be attributed to the way we raise our children.” “It is our duty as parents to teach our children right from wrong, to accompany them in their lives and guide them to make better decisions,” he said.
His Royal Highness urged parents to invest time in their children’s emotional, moral and spiritual development in addition to meeting their material needs. “It is not enough to send our children to school and meet their basic needs.
We also need to be role models for them and teach them values āāof respect, honesty and hard work,” he added. In addition to tackling crime, His Royal Highness Othaya used the platform to speak out against tribal discrimination, a long-standing issue across Uganda. He urged his subjects to strive for unity and reject the divisive tendencies of tribalism, which are known to cause friction within communities and impede development. “Tribalism is a poison that weakens our unity and progress. We are all one people and must live together in harmony, regardless of tribal differences,” he said.
HRH Othaya called on the community to lead by example and promote inclusiveness in their daily interactions with people of different backgrounds and ethnicities. “Let us all work together to build a better future for our children, regardless of tribe.” “Only by unity can we overcome the challenges we face,” he said, stressing that diversity should be seen as a strength and not a source of conflict.
Prince Rafael Otaya also urged his people to maintain peaceful and harmonious relations with neighboring tribes in the region. He stressed that the development and prosperity of the region can only be achieved if all communities work together in peace and unity. “Let us live in harmony with other tribes around us. We need each other to grow and develop, and there is no room for division or hostility.” “Unity is the key to success,” His Highness said.
The cultural leader’s message comes at a time when Uganda, like many other African countries, continues to grapple with the challenges of tribal divisions and ethnic tensions. His call for peaceful coexistence is seen as an important reminder of the importance of unity, especially in areas where tribal identities have sometimes been misused to sow discord. Cultural leaders like His Highness Raphael Othaya play a key role in shaping the values āāand behaviors of their communities. Through their influence, they have the power to foster unity, promote peace and drive positive social change.
His Royal Highness Othaya’s speech today reflected this responsibility, calling on both political leaders and the people to work together to address issues of crime, tribalism and disharmony. The Kumam cultural leader’s message was well received by the community, with many praising his leadership and vision for the community’s future. His call for parents to be more involved in their children’s lives resonated with many, especially amid growing concerns over youth involvement in crime and other social ills.
One participant, Ruth Apeduno, commented after the mass that “His Royal Highness is right. “We need to care more for our children and ensure they grow up with the right values.” “Crime has become a big problem in our area and it starts with how we raise our children.” Another community member, James Olowo, reiterated the need for greater unity, saying: “We cannot allow tribalism to divide us. We are all one people and the sooner we realise this, the better for our future.”



