Schools across Adjumani District are increasingly embracing patriotism clubs as a tool to nurture responsible, disciplined, and productive citizens among both Ugandan nationals and refugee learners.
The initiative seeks to promote love for country, ideological awareness, discipline, hard work, and peaceful coexistence among learners from diverse backgrounds.
In a district hosting a large refugee population from neighbouring South Sudan, schools have become important spaces for bringing together learners from different communities and promoting unity.
The importance of patriotism was highlighted during the ninth anniversary celebrations of St. James’ Secondary School in Silili Village, Dzaipi Sub-county, where newly elected student leaders were sworn in and learners were encouraged to pursue academic excellence, discipline, and cooperation.
Mondo James Silton, the proprietor of St. James’ Secondary School, said that although he is not an educationist by profession, he chose to invest in the education sector to improve service delivery and expand access to learning opportunities for both Ugandan and refugee learners.
"I am not an educationist, but I decided to support the education sector because I believe education is the foundation for a brighter future. My dream is to provide learners with an opportunity to have a better future through education," Mondo said.
He said patriotism clubs would help learners develop a sense of responsibility and understand their role in contributing to the development of their communities and country.
"Patriotism teaches students to become responsible citizens. When learners love their country, respect others, work hard, and remain disciplined, they can contribute positively to society," he said.
St. James’ Secondary School Headteacher Saviour Amale said patriotism activities were helping learners appreciate Uganda as their host country while promoting unity among students from different cultural backgrounds.
"Patriotism is not only about singing the national anthem. It is also about discipline, hard work, respecting others, and contributing to the development of society," Amale said.
Adjumani District Local Council Five Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo urged students to remain patriotic, saying government would continue working with private schools to promote patriotism and improve education services.
"Students should always be patriotic and understand that they have a responsibility to contribute to the development of their communities. Government will continue working together with private schools to promote patriotism and improve service delivery in the education sector," Ambayo said.
Rev. Fr. James Taban Clement, Parish Priest of St. Paul Catholic Sub-Parish in Oriangwa, said patriotism should be demonstrated through hard work, honesty, discipline, and respect for others.
Adjumani Deputy Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okware, who was the chief guest, urged students to avoid strikes and instead use student leadership structures to address challenges affecting them.
"Students should avoid strikes and violence. When you have challenges, use your student leadership structures to raise your concerns and seek solutions through dialogue," Okware said.
He encouraged learners to take their education seriously, saying they are the future leaders and citizens responsible for shaping the country’s future.
As more schools embrace patriotism clubs, education stakeholders say the initiative could help Ugandan and refugee learners build friendships, promote peaceful coexistence, and develop values needed to become responsible and productive citizens.