This is the concern that has pushed Matungu MP Hon. Peter Oscar Nabulindo to take a firm stand against the growing practice commonly known as “Disco Matanga”, which he says is contributing to social problems, including teenage pregnancies, in the constituency.
Nabulindo says enough is enough.
Speaking at Ejinja Comprehensive School during the commissioning of a newly constructed administration block, the MP challenged parents and the wider community to protect children from practices that threaten their education and future.
“Education is the only equaliser we have. We cannot sit and watch people mess up our sub-county when we know what is wrong and can do something about it,” Nabulindo said.
He said reports of early pregnancies among school-going girls should be a wake-up call to the community, warning that children must be protected from environments that expose them to unnecessary risks.
For Nabulindo, the fight is not merely about stopping Disco Matanga.
It is about protecting the dreams of an entire generation.
Parents have a role to play
With national examinations just around the corner, the MP had another message for parents: give candidates time to study.
He particularly appealed to parents with children in day schools not to overload candidates with household responsibilities at a time when they should be concentrating on their books.
“This is not the time for you to start delegating duties to your son or daughter who is going to sit KAPSEA, KJSEA or even KCSE,” he said.
“Support them to have quality time for revision and exempt them from duties that will take much of their time.”
He urged parents to understand that the few weeks leading to examinations can make a significant difference in a learner’s performance.
A child preparing for an examination, he noted, needs encouragement, peace of mind and adequate time to revise.
A son of a teacher celebrates teachers
The occasion also gave Nabulindo an opportunity to pay tribute to teachers as the world marked World Teachers’ Day.
With warmth, he spoke not only as a legislator but as a son who understands the sacrifices made by teachers.
“Teachers play a critical role in the community. On this World Teachers’ Day, I celebrate all teachers across the world, and Matungu in particular,” he said.
“I am a son to a teacher and I want to appreciate everyone here.”
He challenged teachers, parents and learners to remain focused and work together to improve academic performance in Matungu.
His message to teachers was clear: the community sees their work, appreciates their sacrifice and expects them to continue nurturing the next generation.
‘I want every school to have a conducive environment’
But Nabulindo knows that telling children to work hard is not enough.
They also need classrooms, offices and other facilities that allow them to learn in dignity.
That is why he has placed school infrastructure among his priorities, promising to support schools across Matungu.
“I am going to ensure that all schools in Matungu have the necessary infrastructure so that they don’t have a reason to complain,” he said.
“I promise to support all schools and improve the school environment so that we are able to shine.”
He added: “I always believe that you cannot realise production in a hostile environment.”
Nabulindo commissioned administration blocks at Ejinja Comprehensive School and Mayoni Township School, projects funded through the constituency development kitty.
The new facilities are expected to ease pressure on school administration while giving the institutions a more conducive environment in which to serve learners.
A constituency betting on education
The MP’s interventions have earned him praise from education stakeholders who say his visible interest in schools is helping keep education high on Matungu’s development agenda.
But beyond buildings and infrastructure, Nabulindo’s latest message carries a much bigger appeal.
He wants parents to protect their children.
He wants teachers to keep believing in their learners.
And he wants the community to understand that the future of Matungu will ultimately be determined by what happens to its children today.
For the MP, the battle against Disco Matanga, the campaign for better examination results and investment in school infrastructure are all part of the same fight — giving Matungu’s children a fair chance to succeed.
