Rev. Canon Erich Kasiryee calls for prayerful parenting following Martha Ahumuza incident
Bahati shalom
Monday, March 24, 2025
Rev. Canon Erich Kasirye and late Martha Ahumuza
Martha Ahumuza Murari, who passed away during the early hours of March 20, 2025. Her sudden passing has shocked many and raised serious questions about the state of our society.
People are now asking themselves: Where did we go wrong?
Martha was reportedly at a bar before her death, and for some, this points to a possible mistake in judgment. But others believe this is a bigger problem—perhaps a sign of how parenting and community guidance are missing in today's world.
Rev. Canon Erich Kasirye points out that parents, churches, and communities all need to take responsibility. He says we must return to intentional parenting—this means parents should model strong values, pray with their children, and build meaningful family traditions. These actions help children grow spiritually, improve their emotional health, and become people of good character.
“Parents must deliberately engage in intentional parenting which prayerfully models values and creates meaningful family traditions and rituals.”
Research supports this view. According to the National Study of Youth and Religion (2020), out of 152 young people who had strong connections with their faith leaders, 57% stayed away from drugs and risky behavior. On the other hand, among 200 young adults who didn’t talk regularly with faith leaders, 71% were involved in substance abuse and dangerous activities.
This tragic event has made many wonder: Could the Church have done more?
Church leaders are now reflecting on how well their youth programs are working. Rev. Canon Kasirye believes that churches should not only focus on preaching but also support parents by giving them tools and training. This includes organizing parenting workshops, mentorship programs, and small groups where parents can learn from each other.
“By providing resources, training and community to parents, Churches should also equip parents with resources necessary to support, nurture and disciple their adult children.”
Such efforts create a network of care and support for young people like Martha, giving them the guidance they need when faced with tough choices.
Additionally, the Church can make a difference by encouraging youth-led activities like music, bible studies, social events, and volunteering. When young people are involved in planning and leading, they feel included and develop a sense of purpose.
“Church should also encourage more youth-led activities like worship services, relevant bible studies, community outreach programs and social events…”
These spaces should also be safe and inclusive, where youth can openly talk about their struggles and doubts without fear of judgment. This can help pull them away from harmful environments like bars, gangs, and brothels, and instead guide them towards faith-based communities that help them grow and stay safe.
“In so doing, Churches will sway young persons from bars, gangs and brothels where their lives are clearly vulnerable to alcoholism and substance abuse and instead join the faith-based communities where they are empowered to make informed choices and live out a faith which transforms their lives and local communities.”
Martha’s story is now a call to action. Her death has made it clear that intentional parenting, strong church programs, and youth mentorship are more important than ever.
“This appears to be a testament of the power of accountability – the smirk that once symbolized total disregard for norms or ethics has now been replaced by a much less flattering experience.”
