8 women talk about their top priorities as mothers

Mothers’ Day is this Sunday. Many people agree that the reason why they honour their mothers on such a day is because of their mother’s endless love for them. And despite the numerous challenges that this special group of women continuously face, they endure playing their motherly role by putting their children’s best interests at heart. Esther Oluka asked these mothers what important things they have leant

Lillian Mbabazi, musician and mother of one
Spending a lot of quality time with my son has always been my priority. And whenever I do so, I make sure take him for immunisation programmes, drop him off to his kindergarten school as well as ensure that he has a healthy meal. At the end of the day, I know that he will be a happy child since it is me, his mother, who played these different roles and not anybody else.

Victoria Mukasa, farmer and mother of seven
Ensuring that I give my children whatever they ask for whenever they come asking for it. For instance, if any of my children comes running to me that they want money for buying any personal items such as clothes, I give them the money. If I do not have it at that time, I tell them to wait. I always make it a priority to provide for my children because they do not have a father. He passed away in 1995 when my last born was just nine months old.

Esther Mbidde, consultant and mother of one
Children love sharing information. So whenever my daughter comes to me to say anything or to narrate any sort of experience, I listen to her attentively. Not only has this helped me bond with her easily but I have been able to discover a lot of things about her as well, for example what she loves doing at school. My daughter is always happy whenever I gave her this undivided attention.

Grace Nakanjjako, businesswoman and mother of two
I often try to show both my five and four-year-old children that I love them equally. Favouritism can easily destroy the relationship between children. Therefore, I make sure that when I am buying clothes for instance, I do if for both of them. Also, if I am going for an outing, I take both and not one of them. This in the long run has helped them relate with one another easily as well as lessen conflicts.

Janet Komugisha, housewife and mother of two
Since I do not work, my children aged three and one always rely on their father for everything. My role therefore is to make sure that the home is in order. In other words, I always ensure that everyone is happy and well taken care of especially the children. Some of my home responsibilities include preparing food and making sure that they eat on time, cleaning their rooms and clothes as well as taking them for regular checkups. These have continuously been my priorities as a mother.

Nusula Nakiyemba, shop attendant and mother of two
I have always made it a point to shower my children with affection and love. They are aged seven and four. I do this by sending them different items in the village. That is where they are staying currently with my mother. I send them beddings, clothes, toys and various food stuffs. I also do communicate with them on a daily basis and at times write letters to them. My relationship with them has continued growing because of doing some of these things.

Robinah Nalubega, seamstress and mother of one
Raising my five-year-old daughter into a responsible woman has always been fundamental for me as a mother. I continuously teach her how to clean, wash, cook and to conduct herself as a lady when she is among people. I do all these things because I do not want her to be ashamed when she gets a home of her own in future. Also, I do not want people talking behind my back that I did not perform my role as mother. That is why I am doing all these things when she is still young.

Miriam Nakalanzi, self-employed business woman and mother of one
Monitoring my three months old daughter’s health has always been my priority. I do this by taking her for regular medical checkups even if she has something as small as a cold. Doctors at times tell me that I over do this (take my baby for checkups) which I believe is true. It is just a precaution measure that I vowed to do when I dgave birth to my daughter.