By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye has stressed the importance of patriotism among young Ugandans, saying the program aims to sensitize them on loving their country and contributing to its development. “Under State House, the President put this program of patriotism, taking patriotism to schools’ young generation, to sensitize them on how to love their country,” Barekye said while officially opening the Patriotism Development Training at Kitebi Secondary School.
In her remarks, Barekye focused on key areas, including skilling, girl child development, leadership, and discipline, saying these would empower youth to become economically viable and contribute to national development.
The Comptroller noted that the President’s initiatives, such as Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Universal Primary Education (UPE), aim to equip youth with skills to escape poverty. “So I was telling them about the programs that the President put in place in order for the youth to make themselves economically viable into their future, to get themselves out of poverty, mostly through education,” Barekye said.
Barekye reiterated the viability of skilling, saying it provides an alternative pathway for those who may not pursue higher education. “We are telling students that there is still a chance of skilling that was also provided by the President under his office, to skill people on how to use their hands and get themselves out of poverty,” she stated.
She noted, the program aids students through channels of managing education and making themselves relevant.
On his part, Captain Owaruhanga Richard, Assistant Commissioner Training at State House NSPC, demystified negative sentiments about the program noting that, patriotism is not affiliated with any political party, but rather a love for one’s country and self. “You know; most times people think patriotism is an NRM thing. It has nothing to do with NRM. It is about love – love for self, love for country, love for East Africa, love for Africa.”
Richard quoted President Mandela, saying, “If hatred, which is not natural, can be taught, how about love, which is natural? It means it can also be taught.” He explained that the NSPC teaches core values such as godliness, hard work, love for the country, family values, and cultural heritage.
He revealed, the training program, which has spread across the country, aims to transform students by teaching them about Uganda’s history, geography, and natural resources. “Our plan is to have these 3,000 young people trained into this essential program,” Richard said.
“We aim at opening students’ eyes to the truth about Uganda. Open your eyes to see clearly, and when you see clearly, you take the right direction,” he said, thanking the President, Minister of Education, and stakeholders for their support.
With gratitude, the team leader (Head teacher) Kitebi Secondary School, Kamulegeya Muhammad lauded the initiative of President Museveni and the support of the First Lady, Janet Museveni.
Muhammad expressed gratitude to Commissioner Hellen Seku for the support in facilitating the program. He also thanked the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, for her resourceful words and consistent support. “She has done a lot of parenting. She has talked to the girl children, the boy children, and every stakeholder,” Muhammad said.
The head teacher emphasized the importance of patriotism, observing that “If you can’t love yourself, you can’t love your neighbor, you can’t love the community where you are, you can’t love your country, and you can’t love the world.”
He added that the training is a core solution to every problem and that loving one’s country is key to survival in the world. “The only way a person will survive in the world is by considering your neighbors and loving your country,” Muhammad said.
The week long ideological orientation and Patriotism Development program aims to inculcate patriotism values for responsible citizenry
