The State Minister for Fisheries and Serere District Woman MP, Hon. Hellen Adoa, has issued a stern warning to youth and political actors against indulging in alcohol and drug abuse during the forthcoming campaign season.
She also appealed to parents to remain close to their children during school holidays to nurture discipline and ensure quality education.
Hon. Adoa made the remarks at Halcyon High School Ocaapa Campus in Serere District, where she joined parents, staff, and clergy to bless candidates preparing for national examinations.
The event, which brought together hundreds of parents and students, served as a platform for candid discussions on education, family values, and the looming political season.
With the country heading into heated campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections, Adoa cautioned the youth against being lured into political violence, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
She said some leaders exploit young people by supplying them with alcohol and opium to boost their crowds and cause chaos at rallies.
“We are soon entering campaigns. I have warned them as much as I am also a politician and I want to be voted. But I would not want them to involve themselves in dirty politics like taking excessive alcohol and opium as a way of shouting during campaigns,” she stressed.
The minister emphasized that her political philosophy rejects the exploitation of students for cheap popularity.
“I have never gone to any of my schools to pick students to come and line up for me or get involved in campaigns because I know their future is more important. If some of them are voters, I have told them to go during voting time and vote peacefully. Don’t make a mistake of overdrinking, stoning others, or causing problems, you can get into serious trouble,” she added.
She urged young people to resist leaders who use money and alcohol to buy political favor, calling for a culture of sober and peaceful campaigns.
Education and Stable Families
Beyond politics, Adoa turned her attention to the importance of family stability in promoting education.
She highlighted that broken homes, domestic violence, and irresponsible parenting contribute to high rates of school dropouts, early marriages, and substance abuse among children.
“Any child who does not have a peaceful mind while at school cannot perform well. When children know that their parents are fighting or divorced, they lose focus in class. We must provide them with an environment of peace,” she told parents.
The minister also reminded students about their role in protecting their own future, noting that education requires discipline, time management, and humility.
“A parent sacrifices so much for your future. But instead of taking certificates home, you risk taking a child back to your mother because of unplanned pregnancies. This inconveniences your parents who should be sleeping peacefully at night. Time to study is time to study, and time to marry will come later. Every child must be disciplined if they want to succeed,” she advised.
Faith as a Foundation for Success
Minister Adoa concluded her message with a spiritual appeal, reminding students that success is rooted not only in academics but also in faith.
“I concluded by telling them they can only succeed if they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Ask God for anything you want in His name, and He will guide your future,” she encouraged.
Clergy Call for Sober Politics
Rev. Capt. Phillip Maraka of the Church of Uganda, who also graced the occasion, echoed similar warnings against political violence and called on leaders to respect each other ahead of elections.
He stressed that Uganda needs sober-minded citizens who can critically engage political systems and demand accountability.
“Discover peace in God’s way and trust in Him. Ugandans today are suffering from fear, both the rich and the poor. The rich cannot sleep because of the poor, and the poor cannot sleep because of their challenges. This country needs sober people to shape the future,” Rev. Maraka said.
He further urged Ugandans not to allow politicians to exploit them or use divisive tactics, but to remain steadfast in unity and prayer.
Government Commends Education Investment
Representing the government at the function, Serere Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. John Stephen Ekoom, applauded Minister Adoa for her efforts in establishing Halcyon Schools, which he described as a beacon of hope for the district.
“Education is the only way to uplift this country. The government under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has continued to support private schools and provide security so that education thrives,” Ekoom said.
He reminded candidates that discipline is critical as they prepare for their final examinations, urging them to stay focused and avoid distractions during this critical period.
The RDC also expressed concern about the rising cases of domestic violence in Serere District, warning that such vices threaten both family stability and educational progress.
“Without education, life is hard. I urge parents to keep encouraging their children. But I also call on families to resolve conflicts peacefully because domestic violence only creates broken homes and ruins the future of our children,” Ekoom emphasized.
Parents and Students Speak Out
During the interactive session, some parents lauded the leaders’ advice, admitting that children often fall victim to poor parenting and community pressures.
They pledged to remain more engaged during the holidays, spending quality time with their children to guide them through adolescence.
Students, on their part, said the messages on discipline and faith were timely, especially as they approach exams and transition into higher levels of education.
“I have learned that my future is in my hands. I must work hard, avoid bad influence, and focus on education,” said one candidate student from Halcyon High School.
For now, Serere’s message is firm: Say no to alcohol, say no to political violence, strengthen families, and keep children close. Only then will education flourish and Uganda’s future be secured.
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