By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Seeta, Mukono: At the 35th National Students’ Annual General Meeting and Elections 2025 held at Seeta University, Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps observed the importance of patriotism as a driving force for personal success and national transformation. Her address centered on the topic “Patriotism as a tool for personal success and National Transformation,” highlighting the core values of Godliness, hard work, discipline, and sacrifice as essential components of patriotism.
The 2025 UNSA AGM ran under the theme; ‘Repositioning Students’ Leadership as a Strategic Pillar for Nurturing an Inclusive Society.’
According to Seku, patriotism is not just about loving one’s country, but also about taking responsibility and serving the nation. She stressed that being a patriot requires first loving God, the creator, and appreciating the gift of fellowship. Seku quoted Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” emphasizing the importance of fearing God as the foundation of wisdom and success.
Seku also observed the significance of hard work in achieving success, stating that “you cannot love your country and wallow in abject poverty.” She encouraged the students to work hard, citing the Baganda proverb “enkumbi terimba,” which loosely translates to giving 100% effort to whatever one does, and expecting good results. “Hardwork is intertwined with discipline, integrity, resilience, and long-term commitment, all of which are essential for national transformation,” say Seku.
Emphasizing on discipline, Seku explained, is the ability to control one’s behaviors, actions, and emotions to achieve goals and maintain order. She noted that discipline shapes character, and character shapes habits, which ultimately define who we are. She encouraged the students to be disciplined, hardworking patriots, making it easier to excel in education, leadership, and standing up for their rights.
The Commissioner also observed the importance of sacrifice, citing Matthew 6:20-21, which encourages storing treasures in heaven. She noted that sacrifice creates purpose before personal gain, enabling individuals to put the interests of their country first. Seku encouraged the students to be selfless, to enlist in the forces to serve their nation, and to hold their leaders accountable.
As Commissioner of Patriotism programs in the country, she emphasized that patriotism is a unifying factor, enabling individuals to work together towards success and national transformation thereby students to participate in leadership, governance, and voting, and to fight corruption. She reminded the students that the government has put in place various programs, such as skilling centers and artisanal hubs, to benefit all Ugandans, and urged them to take advantage of these opportunities.
Notwithstanding, as the Ugandans prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, Seku reminded students to exercise their right and protect their gains. She encouraged them to vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other able leaders who have offered themselves for elective offices and urged the students to follow the values of patriotism, which she believes will transform their lives, communities, and the nation as a whole.
The session was also attended by Col. Emmy Katabazi, the Senior Presidential Advisor [Security and Intelligence], Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Academic Registrar and Management SEETA University, Lt. Allan Kunya Yesero from UPDAirForce among other notable dignitaries.
