The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Hellen Seku, has emphasized the importance of patriotism training in schools, describing it as a key instrument for nurturing responsible citizens and promoting national development.
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony of patriotism trainees at King’s College Budo on Saturday, Seku urged students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values as they prepare to contribute to Uganda’s future.
“It is our time to be ideologically sharpened, change our mindset to positive thinking, and be responsible and hardworking at all times while avoiding harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and corruption,” she said.
A total of 2,513 participants, including 113 teachers and staff members, completed the week-long Patriotism Ideological Development Course organized by the NSPC.
The training included civic education, mentorship sessions and lectures delivered by senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other facilitators.
Seku said the patriotism programme, which is recognized within Uganda’s education curriculum, seeks to equip learners with values such as discipline, ethical conduct, mutual respect, financial literacy, health awareness and knowledge of Uganda’s political and economic history.
“This programme is compulsory and examinable. If schools deny learners the opportunity to participate, they deny them important information and exposure beyond the classroom,” she said.
She also urged students to reject violence and destructive strikes, arguing that patriotism-trained learners should instead promote dialogue, discipline and peaceful engagement.
“When schools strike and destroy property, who repairs the damage afterward?” she asked.
The Commissioner further encouraged students to remain focused on their studies, respect their teachers and parents, and play a positive role in their communities.
King’s College Budo Headteacher, Godfrey Kasamba, commended the government for supporting the programme, saying it complements the school’s mission of producing responsible citizens and future leaders.
“We deeply appreciate the commitment to shaping the moral, civic and national consciousness of our young people,” Kasamba said.
He noted that beyond academic excellence, the school remains committed to instilling values of integrity, responsibility and service among learners.
“Real patriotism is demonstrated through discipline, integrity, hard work, responsibility, respect for others and commitment to national development,” he said.
Kasamba added that the training had equipped students with practical lessons in leadership, teamwork, time management, sacrifice and national identity.
“The country needs young people who rise above selfishness, division, corruption, violence and hopelessness, and instead embrace unity, service, resilience and excellence,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Head Prefect Mwesigwa Amos said the programme had deepened participants’ understanding of patriotism, leadership, discipline and national identity.
“We have learned that patriotism is not merely about rights, but also about actions that promote peace, integrity, responsibility and national development,” he said.
Mwesigwa said participants had pledged to serve as ambassadors of patriotism by promoting unity, hard work, academic excellence and good conduct within their communities.
The ceremony was attended by Wakiso Assistant Resident District Commissioner Yosam Kikulwe, as well as senior military officials including Maj. Gen. Sabiiti Muzeyi and Col. Night Ikiriza.
