BY MOSES AGABA.

MBARARA UGANDA: 822 Ntare School students have been passed out after completing a patriotism development course aimed at promoting discipline, national values, and hard work among young learners.

Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), officiated at the ceremony on Friday and urged students to embrace patriotism as a foundation for national development.

Seku called on learners to support government programs regardless of their political affiliations, stressing that national progress depends on collective responsibility rather than political divisions.

She warned students against corruption and the temptation to seek shortcuts to success, encouraging them instead to remain focused on their studies and work hard to contribute meaningfully to the country.

“Every citizen has a duty to serve the nation with integrity,” she said, adding that students must avoid wasting resources and their parents’ hard-earned money.

On national values, Seku emphasized the government’s role in ensuring security through training of soldiers and provision of resources, noting that patriotism involves loyalty to Uganda and commitment to its protection.

“There is no other Uganda,” she said, stressing that success comes through hard work and wisdom.

She further highlighted unity and peace, crediting the NRM government for stabilizing the country. Students were also urged to prioritize national identity over tribal differences and embrace the spirit of being each other’s keeper.

On cultural identity, Seku encouraged learners to take pride in local languages such as Runyankole and not feel ashamed to speak them.

She also called for a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and encouraged value addition through industrialization to reduce reliance on exporting raw materials.

Seku described the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as a “productive force” contributing to national development through initiatives such as Luwero Industries.

She emphasized that peace and security remain the foundation for investment and sustainable development, urging students to play their role in building a united and prosperous Uganda.

She noted that the training will help shape students into future change-makers and said ideological patriotism training is provided for under the Constitution.

Saulo Rwampororo, the head teacher of Ntare School, said the training was timely as the students are at a stage of preparing for leadership roles within the school.

“We trained S.1 and S.5 students because at this level, these patriots will soon vie for leadership roles in the school. Our student leaders come from these classes, and we thought it makes a lot of sense to have them trained,” he said.

He encouraged students to share the knowledge gained with their families and communities during the holidays.

“To all the patriots, as you go for holidays, make sure you preach the gospel of patriotism to your parents and the wider community so that they also benefit from the knowledge you have gained here,” Rwampororo said.

He also appreciated Commissioner Seku for attending the event despite her busy schedule.