The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and National Guidance is in the final stages of developing the National Guidance Policy, which officials say will serve as a framework for shaping Uganda’s national vision, values and collective identity.
The ministry is currently traversing different regions of the country to gather views and input from stakeholders, which will be incorporated into the final draft before it is submitted to Cabinet for approval.
According to ministry officials, the policy is intended to provide direction on how citizens, institutions and leaders can work together to build a cohesive society anchored on patriotism, integrity and productivity.
Ismail Kibedi, the Principal National Guidance Officer at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, said the policy has been in development for a long time and is now nearing completion.
He noted that government has been grappling with social contradictions, particularly corruption, despite ongoing interventions.
“We are witnessing a lot of contradictions in society, and one of these is corruption. There are many efforts put in place by government, but corruption is still increasing, and it is like the government is doing nothing,” Kibedi said.
He said the policy aims to address such challenges by focusing on mindset change and values formation, arguing that previous efforts lacked a clear framework for ideological orientation and behavioural transformation.
Kibedi also expressed concern that some young people cannot recite the national anthem, saying the policy will help reconnect citizens, especially the youth, to national identity and civic responsibility.
He made the remarks while engaging stakeholders from the Bunyoro Sub-region in Hoima City.
Geoffrey Karubanga, a National Guidance Officer at the ministry, said once implemented, the policy will help in ideological orientation and promote responsible citizenship.
“Innocent Aliguma, an official from the Hoima District Community Department, said the policy is long overdue, noting that the country needs a shared direction to guide national development.
Officials from Kikuube and Kagadi districts also emphasised the importance of focusing on young people, particularly learners in schools, if behavioural change and patriotism are to be achieved.
Amon Zondera, the Kikuube District Inspector of Schools, and Anna Bazarwa from the Kagadi District Education Department said instilling values early in life is key to building responsible citizens who love and develop their country.
