| dc.description.abstract | Uganda is a country with absolute majority being the youth (more than 50%), it is
predominantly Catholic occupied country. However due to mushrooming of different sects
and denominations in the country, many Catholics have backslidden away. Secularism and
materialism amidst vulnerability describe the livelihood of the majority people. And the
biggest number of the vulnerable population is the youth. Thus, it is upon this, that the
researcher wished to investigate the causes of vulnerability among the youth is a cause of
their backsliding from the Catholic Church. This was done through the study objectives
which investigated the causes of vulnerability among the youth, how vulnerability among the
youth is a cause of their backsliding from the Catholic, other causes of vulnerability among
the youth and the possible solutions to curb down vulnerability among the youth. Therefore,
to realize the above objectives, qualitative and quantitative research approaches were
employed. A sample size of 80 respondents participated in giving the relevant information
relating to the study objectives and this was aided by the use of questionnaire and interview
guide but also supplemented by observation. This gathered information was later organized,
grouped/clustered under respective objectives for analysis and interpretation. The researcher
found out that the youth are vulnerable (unemployed, uneducated, lack shelters, faced with
peer pressure, sexually abused and exploited, faced with domestic violence, consumed up by
rioting culture, economically exploited etc). The research also revealed that other
mushrooming sects and denominations provide some basics needs and employment to the
youth which all together make them to backslide from the Catholic Church. Other youth also
backslide away from the Catholic Church because of its strictness on the Sacrament of
penance and Reconciliation (confession of sin). However, other respondents identified poor
catechesis, scandals in the Catholic Church, formal forms of prayers and worship as a cause
for backsliding among the youth. Hence, the researcher acknowledges the multiple challenges
facing the youth and propelling them from the Catholic Church. And finally, the researcher
recommended teaching of the Church’s doctrines in Catholic schools, colleges and
institutions, translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to facilitate deeper
understanding of the faith, institution of income generating projects for the youth, human
formation focusing on integral education for various vocations and empowerment of lay
apostolate movements coupled with intensive home visitation. | en_US |
