The National Coordinator of the National Patriotism Corps, Commissioner Hellen Saku, has urged young Ugandans to embrace patriotism, discipline and a transformed mindset as pillars of national progress.
Ms Saku was delivering an inspirational lecture to 915 trainees at Nyakasura School in Fort Portal as part of a joint patriotism training involving Nyakasura School and Bukuuku Community Secondary School.
The initiative aims to equip learners with ideological clarity, self-discipline and a renewed commitment to national values.
Addressing the trainees, Saku emphasized the power of knowledge in shaping a progressive generation.
“You should love knowledge. Research and read good books outside your academic syllabus. Don’t do cram-work. Read to understand because in the 21st century we should love knowledge. The more you love knowledge the wiser you become,” she said.
She reminded the young patriots that knowledge, discipline and a strong value system form the backbone of national development.
Commissioner Saku encouraged the trainees to take responsibility not only for their education but also for their surroundings. She questioned whether Fort Portal still holds its title as Uganda’s cleanest city and urged the youth to participate in community service.
“You patriots should clean hospitals, roads and markets to demonstrate to the public what we are supposed to be doing,” she said, calling on them to lead by example.
Saku urged the students to cultivate discipline, rise early and reject laziness.
“We should change our mindset as young people. We should not sleep like we are competing for a certificate with dead bodies. When you are at home wake up at 5 am and take a shower before starting work. Be women and men of substance, not circumstance.”
She stressed that the future belongs to those who are prepared, focused and ideologically grounded.
In her speech, Saku revisited the effects of colonialism on Uganda’s cultural and spiritual foundations. Referring to a 1935 letter attributed to Lord Macaulay advocating for the introduction of English in Africa, she argued that the language was used as a tool to weaken African identity and self-esteem.
“Colonialists destroyed Uganda’s consciousness, identity and pride. Ugandans adopted foreign languages and names, abandoning their own,” she said.
She warned that patriots must remain alert and prepared to defend the country from any form of renewed external exploitation. “If colonialists return to steal and destroy Uganda, patriots are ready to crash them,” she added.
Commissioner Saku’s lecture left the trainees energized and reflective, with renewed commitment to patriotism, national duty and cultural pride.
The National Patriotism Corps continues to roll out similar engagements across the country as part of its mission to build a disciplined, ideologically conscious generation.
