President Museveni Urges Ugandan Students To Unite For Prosperity At Patriotism Course Graduation

By Gad Masereka

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has encouraged Ugandan students to embrace a sense of unity and love for their fellow citizens, emphasizing its pivotal role in the nation’s prosperity. Addressing a gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds, he spoke during the graduation of over 45,000 students from various secondary schools in Kampala who had completed a patriotism course. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President underscored the importance of not only loving Uganda for moral reasons but also recognizing the interconnectedness with fellow Ugandans for economic success.

Participants from 254 secondary schools in the five divisions of Kampala underwent training under the theme “Patriotism for socio-economic transformation.” President Museveni, who initiated patriotism clubs in Uganda in 2009, emphasized the need for diverse forms of love, including love for the country and its citizens. He highlighted the economic challenges faced when regions produce similar products, emphasizing the necessity of a unified Uganda for prosperity.

President Museveni urged students to extend their love to East Africa and the entire continent to benefit from external markets. He cautioned against divisive behaviors, encouraged environmental responsibility, and warned against detrimental actions like alcoholism and smoking. Additionally, he pledged to integrate the Youth Forum program with the patriotic movement for youth development.

Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated the graduates and urged them to utilize their education effectively, emphasizing the shift from “Education for a few” to “Education for all” since 1986. The First Lady commended President Museveni for prioritizing youth development, revealing the launch of patriotism clubs in schools in 2009.

Minister for Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda praised the National Resistance Movement’s core principles for Uganda’s transformation. She emphasized the importance of patriotism in building a nation and its role in developing strong communities and respectable nations.

Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner of Patriotism in the Office of the President, thanked President Museveni and Maama Janet for their support and commitment to the patriotism program. She pledged to elevate the program, expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Sports for integrating patriotism activities into school curricula.

The event, attended by various dignitaries, marked a significant milestone for the Kampala Metropolitan area and showcased efforts to instill patriotism in Ugandan youth for a responsible and resilient citizenry.