The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Hellen Seku, has underscored the importance of patriotism training in schools, describing it as a vital tool for sharpening the ideological consciousness of young Ugandans and preparing them to become responsible citizens committed to national development.
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony of patriotism trainees at King’s College Budo, Seku urged students to embrace positive values, discipline, and love for their country.
“It is our time to be ideologically sharpened, change our mindset to positive thinking, and be responsible and hardworking at all times while avoiding harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and corruption,” she said.
A total of 2,513 participants, including 113 teachers and staff members, completed the week-long Patriotism Ideological Development Course organized by the NSPC. The training featured civic education sessions, mentorship programs, and lectures by senior UPDF officers and other facilitators.
Seku conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Museveni, whom she described as the Chief Patriot, and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening patriotism education in schools.
She noted that the patriotism course is officially recognized under Uganda’s education curriculum and is examinable.
“This program is compulsory and a government initiative that is examinable. If you deny it in your schools, you deny Ugandan children important information and exposure beyond the classroom,” she said.
According to Seku, the training seeks to instill values such as hard work, discipline, ethical conduct, mutual respect, patriotism, financial literacy, health awareness, moral integrity, and knowledge of Uganda’s political history and economy.
“You will achieve many things when you respect your teachers, your parents, and the community,” she added.
She also cautioned students against engaging in destructive strikes and acts of violence, urging patriotism-trained learners to become champions of discipline and peaceful engagement.
“When schools strike and destroy property, who repairs the damage afterward?” she asked. “Because of patriotism programs in schools and universities, including Makerere University, we no longer hear frequent strikes.”
Seku further encouraged young people to remain God-fearing, focused on academic excellence, and committed to serving their communities and country.
King’s College Budo headteacher, Godfrey Kasamba, thanked the government for facilitating what he described as a transformative program.
“We deeply appreciate the commitment to shaping the moral, civic, and national consciousness of our young people,” Kasamba said.
He noted that the school, founded in 1906, remains committed to nurturing responsible citizens and leaders in addition to academic excellence.
“Real patriotism is demonstrated through discipline, integrity, hard work, responsibility, respect for others, and commitment to national development,” he said.
Kasamba said the training had equipped students with practical lessons in leadership, teamwork, time management, sacrifice, and national identity.
“The country needs young people who rise above selfishness, division, corruption, violence, and hopelessness, and instead embrace unity, service, resilience, and excellence,” he added.
He urged students to continue practicing the values acquired during the training in their classrooms, homes, and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the students, head prefect Amos Mwesigwa expressed gratitude to the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps and the government for introducing the patriotism program.
“It is nurturing us into people of integrity, unity, discipline, acceptance, and love, thus protecting the gains of our country, Uganda,” Mwesigwa said.
He noted that the week-long training had deepened students’ understanding of patriotism, national identity, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and selfless service.
“We have learned that patriotism is not merely about rights, but about actions that promote peace, integrity, responsibility, and national development,” he said.
Mwesigwa added that the students had pledged to become ambassadors of patriotism in their school and communities by promoting hard work, unity, academic excellence, and good conduct.
The ceremony was attended by Wakiso Assistant Resident District Commissioner Yosam Kikulwe, who emphasized the role of patriotism training in shaping Uganda’s future. Also present were Maj Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi and Col Night Ikiriza.
