By: Tumutegyereize Wilber Aka.The Duke of Kigezi
Kampala, Uganda — At a moment when Uganda is confronting complex questions about national identity, youth unemployment, political participation, and social cohesion, one name has increasingly come to the fore in discussions about civic renewal and ideological grounding: Hellen Seku.
Appointed in January 2024 as the youngest Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Seku has rapidly become one of the most influential figures driving Uganda’s renewed patriotism agenda. Her leadership has coincided with an ambitious expansion of civic education and ideological training programs—many of them targeting young Ugandans who make up the backbone of the country’s population.
To supporters, Seku represents a new kind of public servant: youthful yet disciplined, ideologically grounded yet pragmatic, and deeply committed to national unity at a time of growing social and political fragmentation. To government officials, her rise reflects a deliberate generational shift—one that places youth not at the margins of governance, but at its center.
“Hellen Seku understands the language of young people, but she also understands the discipline of the state,” said a senior government official familiar with her work. “That balance is rare.”
A Country at a Crossroads
Uganda today is one of Africa’s youngest nations demographically. According to government estimates, more than 75 percent of the population is under the age of 30, a reality that presents both opportunity and risk. While the youth population represents enormous potential for innovation and economic growth, it also poses challenges related to unemployment, political mobilization, and social cohesion.
Against this backdrop, patriotism—once largely associated with liberation history and military service—has taken on a broader and more urgent meaning. The state’s focus has shifted toward civic education, ideological clarity, and disciplined participation in national development.
It is within this context that Hellen Seku’s rise has unfolded.
From Kalangala to the National Stage
Born on July 2, 1985, in Lukuba village, Kalangala District, Seku’s journey began far from the corridors of power in Kampala. Kalangala, an island district on Lake Victoria, is known both for its natural beauty and for the developmental challenges faced by its communities.
Residents often contend with limited access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. For many observers, it is this environment that shaped Seku’s early understanding of inequality, marginalization, and the importance of effective governance.
“Growing up in Kalangala, you see what happens when the state feels distant,” said one community leader from the district. “That kind of upbringing gives you a different perspective on leadership.”
Seku’s early education took her from Bukasa Primary School to Hormisdallen Primary School in Wakiso District. She later attended Our Lady of Good Counsel, Gayaza, one of Uganda’s most prestigious girls’ schools, before completing her Advanced Level studies at St. Augustine Secondary School, Wakiso.
Her academic journey continued at Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and later a Diploma in Legal Practice—credentials that laid the foundation for her future in public service. She would later deepen her expertise with two master’s degrees: one focusing on Law and Institutional Leadership, and another in International Human Rights from the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Colleagues say this blend of legal training, leadership theory, and human rights education has strongly influenced her approach to patriotism—anchoring it in constitutionalism, accountability, and inclusivity.
Early Career and Rise Through Youth Leadership
Seku first entered the national spotlight in 2016, when she was appointed Executive Director of the National Youth Council (NYC). At the time, the council was struggling with coordination challenges, limited resources, and questions about its relevance to a rapidly changing youth population.
During her tenure, Seku focused on restructuring youth leadership frameworks, strengthening district-level councils, and aligning youth programs with broader government priorities such as skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment creation.
“She brought order where there had been fragmentation,” said a former NYC official. “There was a clear sense of direction under her leadership.”
Her performance at the NYC caught the attention of senior government officials, leading to her appointment as Private Secretary to President Yoweri Museveni for Youth Affairs. The role placed her at the heart of Uganda’s political machinery, where she served as a critical link between the Presidency and youth constituencies across the country.
In that capacity, Seku traveled extensively, engaging youth leaders, student associations, and community groups. Those interactions, analysts say, sharpened her understanding of the frustrations and aspirations of young Ugandans—and reinforced her belief that ideological clarity was essential for national stability.
A Historic Appointment
In January 2024, President Museveni appointed Seku as Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, making her the youngest person to ever hold the position.
The NSPC, which was established to promote nationalism, patriotism, and ideological orientation, occupies a strategic role in Uganda’s governance architecture. Its mandate includes training citizens—particularly young people—in national history, constitutional values, and civic responsibility.
At her appointment, President Museveni described Seku as “focused, disciplined, and deeply committed to ideological grounding.” The remarks were widely interpreted as an endorsement not only of her personal qualities, but also of a generational shift in leadership.
Scaling Up Patriotism Training
Since assuming office, Seku has overseen what NSPC officials describe as one of the most expansive civic education drives in recent Ugandan history.
According to official figures:
- More than 200,000 Ugandans have completed structured patriotism training programs
- Approximately 450,000 youths have been reached through mobilization, sensitization, and outreach initiatives
These programs are designed to go beyond theoretical instruction. Participants are introduced to Uganda’s political history, the principles of constitutional governance, economic self-reliance, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Schools, Universities, and Community Outreach
One of the defining features of Seku’s leadership has been the breadth of institutions reached by NSPC programs.
Patriotism training has been conducted in secondary schools such as Gayaza High School, Nyakasura School, Ntare School, mbarara high school, and several others across the country. At the tertiary level, universities including Nkumba University and Makerere University Business School (MUBS) have hosted training sessions for student leaders.
Beyond formal education institutions, Seku has pushed patriotism training into community spaces. Programs have been conducted at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Uganda’s premier ideological training center, as well as among boda-boda rider associations, trained through the Oliver Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Centre of Excellence.
Observers say this inclusive approach has helped demystify patriotism and bring it closer to everyday life.
Redefining Patriotism
Central to Seku’s work is a broader redefinition of what patriotism means in modern Uganda.
In speeches and training sessions, she has consistently argued that patriotism is not about slogans, symbols, or blind loyalty. Instead, she frames it as a commitment to discipline, productivity, unity, and peaceful civic engagement.
“You cannot talk about loving your country while destroying it,” she has told student leaders, urging them to reject violence and embrace dialogue, lawfulness, and national responsibility.
Her message has resonated particularly with young people navigating political activism in an era of social media and rapid mobilization.
Culture, Art, and Ideology
One of Seku’s most talked-about initiatives is her proposal to extend ideological training to artistes and cultural influencers at Kyankwanzi.
She has argued that musicians, actors, comedians, and digital creators wield enormous influence over public attitudes—especially among the youth—and should therefore be grounded in patriotism, financial literacy, and responsible messaging.
Supporters say the proposal reflects a sophisticated understanding of modern influence, where cultural figures often shape opinion more effectively than politicians.
Linking Patriotism to Economic Empowerment
Unlike earlier civic education efforts that focused primarily on identity and values, Seku has explicitly linked patriotism to economic participation.
She has worked closely with government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Fund, which aim to provide skills training, startup capital, mentorship, and access to cooperative enterprises.
“Patriotism without productivity is incomplete,” Seku has said, arguing that economic independence strengthens national unity and reduces social unrest.
Analysts say this integration of ideology and economics has made NSPC programs more practical and appealing to young people.
Praise, Recognition, and Debate
Seku’s work has drawn praise from senior government officials, educators, and community leaders. She has received several awards recognizing her contribution to youth development, civic education, and national unity.
However, her initiatives have not been without critics. Some observers warn that patriotism programs risk politicization if not carefully managed. Seku has consistently responded by emphasizing constitutional values and a national—rather than partisan—identity.
Strict guidelines and warnings regarding the proper use and respect of the national flag
Hoisting Time: The flag should be raised at 8:00 AM and lowered at 6:00 PM daily. Exceptional circumstances, such as rain during public events, might allow them to stay up, but generally, they should not be left out overnight or in the rain.
Respect: The national flag deserves the utmost respect, should be flown higher than other flags, and observed with silence (often accompanied by whistles or drum signals) during hoisting and lowering ceremonies.
Permission: Hoisting the national flag on private buildings or for commercial purposes requires express government permission or ministerial authority.
Prohibited Use
Seku strongly condemned the growing misuse and desecration of the flag, which can lead to legal consequences.
- Commercial Use: The flag should not be used for business, trade, or professional purposes without official authority.
- Personal Decoration/Clothing: It is prohibited to design clothing, household items (like bedsheets), or place the flag in “unworthy places” such as garages or retail shops.
- Improper Display: The flag must not be displayed improperly, such as being wrapped around objects other than a casket for state funerals.
Looking Ahead
As Uganda pursues its long-term development goals under Vision 2040, analysts say the challenge for Seku will be sustaining the scale, quality, and credibility of patriotism programs amid limited resources and a rapidly growing youth population.
For now, her rise is widely viewed as emblematic of a broader shift toward youth-led leadership within public institutions.
Whether her initiatives will have a lasting impact on national cohesion remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Hellen Seku has already left a significant mark on Uganda’s patriotism movement—and her influence on the country’s civic landscape is increasingly difficult to ignore.
