The Commissioner for the National Patriotism Corps, Hellen Seku, has called on private school owners and administrators to fully cooperate with the rollout of patriotism training, stressing that the programme is constitutionally mandated and aims to cultivate disciplined, responsible, and value-driven citizens.
Seku made the remarks while officiating at the passing-out ceremony of 1,500 young patriots at Mbarara High School in Mbarara City.
She expressed concern over continued resistance from some private institutions.
“We have been having fights with some private schools. Some headteachers and directors openly resist patriotism classes for reasons known only to them,” she said.
She added that the Ministry of Education, led by First Lady Janet Museveni, had intervened by issuing official letters directing schools to cooperate with the programme.
Seku emphasized that patriotism education is a government initiative and all learners, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools, are entitled to its benefits. “Even if a child is in a private school, patriotism education is their entitlement, free of charge,” she said.
Seku appealed to leaders at all levels—including RDCs, RCCs, district officials, religious institutions, and local councils—to support the implementation of the programme and ensure that all schools grant access to patriotism instructors.
“Young people must have value, discipline, and national consciousness. This is the time for them to shine,” she added.
She also encouraged the youth to make thoughtful choices in the upcoming general elections, emphasizing that their decisions will shape the country’s future.
The ceremony in Mbarara is part of a nationwide effort by the National Patriotism Corps to expand the programme’s reach across both public and private schools.
