Kamuli, Uganda: The President of Holy Cross Family Ministries, Rev. Fr. Fred Jenga, has called on Ugandan couples, communities, and institutions to re-embrace the sanctity of marriage and rebuild strong family values as a foundation for social stability and moral integrity.
Speaking during the 61st Holy Matrimony anniversary of Tarsis and Margaret Nabigedde at Namisambya Cell in Kamuli Municipality on Sunday afternoon, Fr. Jenga decried the rise in broken marriages, domestic violence, and family disintegration, urging a return to values-based parenting and faithful spousal commitment.
“Marriage is no longer seen as sacred. In some developed countries, they now promote contractual marriages and obsess over individual rights rather than shared responsibility,” he said. “We must reinvent the family institution, revisit our cultural values, and reject this moral degeneration that is creeping into our society.”
Fr. Jenga delivered an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis to the Nabigedde couple, recognizing their 61 years of uninterrupted Holy Matrimony. The papal blessing, issued in the Holy Year 2023, invoked “a fresh outpouring of heavenly graces” upon the couple and recommended them to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Margaret Nabigedde, reflecting on their journey, blamed modern technologies like TikTok, laptops, and social media for the collapse of many marriages today. “These things have replaced intimate conversation and family bonding,” she said. “Couples are now preoccupied with screens instead of each other. That’s how the devil gets into our homes.”
She advised young couples to build their unions on communication, forgiveness, and transparency—revealing that her husband, despite being a builder, would often cook, clean, and explain delays, actions which built mutual trust.
Her husband, Tarsis Nabigedde, said their marriage was built not on materialism or glamorous ceremonies but on hope, resilience, and faith. “We wedded in poverty but built our trust together every single day,” he said. “Many marriages today don’t last because they’re based on false hopes and social showmanship. Marriage must be a daily commitment.”
The couple’s son, John Kairu, described his parents as “an embodiment of parenting values,” crediting their religious discipline, moral guidance, and commitment to education for the success of their children. “They raised us with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a God-fearing spirit. These values have shaped us into competitive professionals,” he added.
The anniversary celebration drew attendance from members of the Busoga Kingdom, media personalities, and family friends from the United States, led by Diann Ruholl, who flew in to deliver congratulatory gifts. Col. Robert Bamuloze and Michael Dhikusooka also joined the family in commemorating the remarkable milestone.
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