Leaders in Mubende Call for Government Funding of Patriotism Initiatives

Mubende District leaders have called on the government to provide funding for patriotism programs during a ceremony passing out 2,101 students from eight schools who underwent eight days of training.

The event took place at Kasenyi Playground, where Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, urged the youth to join the fight against HIV/AIDS, citing alarming increases in cases across several districts in Uganda.

John Ngirabakunzi, the Patriotism Regional Coordinator for Wamala, and Andrew Solomon Musindi, Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Mubende, expressed challenges faced in the training process, particularly regarding transportation.

Ngirabakunzi highlighted the difficulty for students, such as those from Butoloogo, who traveled over 37 kilometers for training.

“We request that you report these concerns to the president,” he said.

The training aimed to foster unity, discipline, and a spirit of national service among learners, focusing on socioeconomic transformation and national stability.

Morris Kabagambe, a representative of the trainees, thanked the government for implementing patriotism programs in schools, sharing that the training covered both mental lectures and physical activities.

Key topics included climate change, career guidance, and HIV mitigation, with notable instruction from Honorable Hope Grania Nakazibwe, the Woman MP for Mubende District.

Nakazibwe welcomed the initiative, encouraging other schools to adopt patriotism programs to instill love for the country among the youth.

“Patriotism helps Ugandans love their country and one another,” she remarked.

Commissioner Seku emphasized the importance of patriotism as a constitutional duty, reminding participants of their role in making informed decisions and maintaining good relationships within their communities.

She also addressed the critical issue of HIV, warning that over 400 youths contract the virus every week.

Seku assured the trainees that their certificates would be ready by next week and would be distributed through the Regional Patriotism Coordinator's office, enhancing their credentials when applying to join the army or police.

“I now declare you patriots for God and my country,” she concluded.