The Monitor, Kampala, 15 November 2002

Ankole Bishop Wants Whip for Errant Kids

By Felix Basiime

Kampala, Nov 15, 2002 (The Monitor/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- The bishop of Ankole Diocese, Elisha Kyamugambi, has asked government to revisit the law barring corporal punishment on children both at school and in homes.

The Church of Uganda bishop said corporal punishment instils discipline.

He was speaking at a memorial service for the late Esteri Kokundeka, mother of President Yoweri Museveni, held at Rwenkanja, Kashari in Mbarara on Thursday.

Kokundeka died on Nov. 14, 2001.

Kyamugambi argued that the law on corporal punishment has bred children without discipline.

In response, Museveni said that the law had no problem but that it' s only that the people perceived it wrongly.

Museveni said the law waived off only corporal punishment but not any other form of punishment.

Kyamugambi urged the children always to honour their parents like the Kagutas have done.

Museveni was flanked by his wife Janet, daughters Patience Rwabwogo and Diana Kyaremera.

Others who attended the function included Minister of State for Primary Education Namirembe Bitamazire and area MP John Kazoora.