As Primary Seven candidates across Uganda prepare to sit their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) next week, parents have been urged to closely monitor their children’s activities during the long holiday vacation, particularly their exposure to social media platforms and other digital content.
The call was made by Rev. Fr. George William Sentamu of Mpala Parish, Queen of Martyrs, Kampala Archdiocese, while presiding over a special dedication Mass for 200 Primary Seven candidates at Seeta Junior School, Mbalala Campus.
In his message, Fr. Sentamu expressed concern over the growing negative influence of social media on children, warning that unrestricted access to digital platforms could expose young learners to harmful content and behaviours that may negatively affect their moral development.
He challenged parents to remain vigilant and take an active interest in what their children consume online, particularly during the long holiday following their examinations, when learners will have more time away from the structured school environment.
Fr. Sentamu observed that although many parents have invested in modern gadgets, tablets and internet connectivity to support their children’s education, providing such facilities without proper supervision could expose children to inappropriate online content.
“I know you have bought them good tablets and gadgets and provided free Wi-Fi at home, but please do not sleep on the job. Find out what content your children are following on social media,” he cautioned.
He emphasised that parental responsibility should extend beyond providing material necessities to ensuring that children are raised in safe environments where their behaviour, friendships and digital activities are properly guided.
The priest also cautioned parents against taking their children to witchcraft practitioners in the belief that such practices would guarantee success in their final examinations.
He urged families to put their trust in God, encouraging parents to support their children through prayer, faith and positive guidance rather than resorting to practices that could undermine their spiritual and moral upbringing.
Addressing the candidates, Fr. Sentamu encouraged them to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired from their teachers throughout their primary education.
He reminded the learners that they had a responsibility to demonstrate what they had been taught, urging them to remain focused, confident and disciplined as they approached their final examinations.
He further encouraged them to commit the remaining journey to God, trusting that their hard work and preparation would lead to success.
Meanwhile, the Headteacher of Seeta Junior School, Mbalala Campus, Sr. Crispin Christine Namara, revealed that the school is presenting 200 candidates for the 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations.
Sr. Namara expressed confidence in the candidates’ preparation, attributing the school’s optimism to the quality of education and academic standards maintained throughout their learning journey.
She said the school administration was satisfied with the candidates’ readiness and remained hopeful that they would deliver excellent results in the forthcoming examinations.
She also appealed to parents to remain responsible for their children’s upbringing during the long holiday vacation, emphasising the importance of keeping them engaged in meaningful and constructive activities.
Sr. Namara particularly encouraged parents to involve their children in family responsibilities, take them to places of worship and allow them to participate in positive activities that promote discipline, responsibility and good values.
She noted that the holiday period should also be an opportunity for parents to strengthen their children’s moral and spiritual development rather than leaving them without proper guidance.
The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Kyazze Paddy, applauded parents for their continued support and commitment towards providing the candidates with the necessary requirements throughout their academic preparation.
He also commended the teaching staff for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that learners receive quality education and are adequately prepared for their national examinations.
Mr. Paddy expressed optimism about the candidates’ performance, assuring parents that the school was confident all the 200 candidates would attain Division One.
He attributed this confidence to the combined efforts of the school administration, teachers, parents and the learners themselves.
The dedication Mass brought together the school community in prayer and reflection, providing an opportunity to seek God’s guidance and blessings for the candidates as they prepare to complete their primary education.
The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers and religious leaders in nurturing children academically, morally and spiritually.
As the 200 candidates prepare for their 2026 PLE examinations, Seeta Junior School, Mbalala Campus, remains optimistic about their performance and extends its best wishes to all candidates across Uganda.
