The bishop of Mukono Diocese, Enos Kitto Kagodo, has taken a firm stance by banning promenade dances and parties in church schools, citing negative reports associated with such events. According to Bishop Kagodo, these parties often witness incidents of “coupling” and drug abuse among students, with some resorting to drugs to overcome shyness specifically on the day of the event.
Promenade, commonly known as prom, is a celebratory dance party for high school students, usually held towards the end of the academic year. In recent years, these events have evolved into elaborate affairs, with male participants donning formal black ties and suits, and female attendees wearing elegant evening gowns. However, Bishop Kagodo expressed concerns over the prevalence of inappropriate behavior and disciplinary issues at these gatherings.
Addressing headteachers from church-owned schools in the districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Buvuma, and Kayunga, Bishop Kagodo expressed dismay over the disregard for school rules and regulations during prom parties. He highlighted the contradiction between years of efforts to instill discipline and the lax enforcement of rules during these events, where students of the opposite sex freely mingle without supervision.
The bishop raised alarm over the detrimental impact of prom parties on students’ academic pursuits, noting cases of compromised education and unintended pregnancies resulting from these gatherings. With a total of 270 church-owned schools under Mukono Diocese, Bishop Kagodo’s ban on promenade dances aims to mitigate the adverse effects associated with such events.
Susan Wamala Sserunkuuma, chairperson of the Mukono diocesan headteachers’ association, echoed Bishop Kagodo’s sentiments, attributing the deterioration of promenade parties to a collective failure by parents, teachers, and students themselves. She lamented the expansion of these events to primary schools, citing instances of promo parties being organized even for candidates in Primary Seven.
Recent incidents, such as students arriving at prom venues in helicopters and luxury cars, have sparked public outrage and condemnation from education authorities. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, denounced such extravagant displays, emphasizing the inappropriate use of resources in a country where financial constraints are prevalent.
In light of these developments, Bishop Kagodo’s ban on promenade parties underscores the urgent need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the well-being and academic pursuits of students, while also promoting a culture of discipline and moderation in school celebrations.
