The Commissioner for the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps at State House, Hellen Seku, has called on students in the Busoga sub-region to embrace patriotism, moral values, and discipline, warning that a lack of awareness and focus could undermine both academic success and national development.
Speaking during an evaluation and monitoring visit at Busoga College Mwiri on Tuesday, Seku emphasized the need for schools to actively inform learners about government contributions to their education, saying ignorance of such support risks breeding misunderstanding among students.
“The headteacher and team should highlight what the government provides. If students are not informed, they may misunderstand the support they receive,” she said.
Her remarks come amid ongoing government efforts to strengthen civic awareness and patriotism among young people through school-based programs led by the secretariat.
Seku also praised the school’s environmental conservation initiatives, citing the use of recycled materials such as plastic bottles to make baskets and perimeter structures, as well as efforts to plant fruit trees across the compound.
She urged students to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sustainability, warning that poor waste management contributes to environmental degradation and rising temperatures.
“Eat what you can finish and dispose of waste properly. Protecting the environment helps us avoid excessive heat,” she said.
A central part of her message focused on moral conduct, with Seku urging students to uphold religious values, discipline, and integrity. She stressed that faith plays a critical role in shaping responsible citizens and deterring immoral behavior.
“We must love God because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. A person who fears God will avoid wrongdoing,” she added.
She further rallied students to embrace patriotism and hard work, reminding them of their constitutional obligations as citizens, including loyalty to the country and participation in national development.
“There is only one Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. We must be patriotic and work hard to build our nation,” Seku said.
The commissioner also cautioned students against distractions that could derail their academic progress, urging them to remain focused on their studies and future goals.
During the interaction, a student, Watolya Musa, appealed to President Museveni to consider appointing a presidential advisor dedicated to secondary schools.
He asked Seku to relay the request, arguing that the sector requires more targeted attention.
The visit is part of a nationwide campaign by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps aimed at instilling discipline, civic responsibility, and national pride among students, as the government seeks to shape a values-driven generation.
