Schools Warned Against Conducting Patriotism Training Without Notifying State House

Schools have been cautioned against conducting patriotism training without notifying the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps at State House at least two weeks in advance.

Patrick Okello, the Special Presidential Assistant on Patriotism in charge of education in Northern Uganda, said the requirement is intended to curb the forgery of patriotism certificates and enable the Secretariat to support schools with the necessary logistics since the programme is co-funded.

Speaking on Thursday during the opening of a six-day patriotism training at YY Okot Memorial College in Kitgum, Okello urged school heads to embrace the programme, saying patriotism certificates will soon be a prerequisite for those seeking to join government service, including the Prisons Service, Police, and UPDF.

According to Okello, applicants who lack evidence of patriotism training risk disqualification, noting that some individuals in government service have been found “not patriotic enough.”   

Dr Francis Ogwang, a data specialist at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, advised teachers to take the training seriously to safeguard the future of learners and the country. 

He observes that the country is producing bad leaders because some are not ideologically oriented, but, he adds, through these trainings, Uganda will have good leaders in future.   Kitgum Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Jimmy Ssegawa Ebil, who officially launched the training for more than 450 students, encouraged learners to embrace discipline, respect, and love for their country. 

Ebil applauded the UPDF division and brigade commanders, State House patriotism coordinators, and the school administration for sustaining the annual programme, which aims to nurture responsible citizens capable of safeguarding Uganda’s future.

“In these six days, everything you will be taught points to one thing: love for your country. Patriotism starts by loving yourself, respecting school rules, and protecting property,” Ebil told the students.

The RDC warned learners against theft, indiscipline, peer pressure, and environmental destruction, describing such habits as threats to national values. He urged them to return home for the holidays as exemplary young citizens.

“Your work is not to destroy; your work is to build. Participate in community activities, protect water sources, and help your parents at home,” he added.

Richard Oringa, the patron of the Patriotism Club, said the training primarily targets new students in Senior One and Senior Five, although some new entrants in Senior Two and Senior Three have joined. He noted that YY Okot Memorial College has maintained the annual programme since patriotism clubs were introduced in 2009.

“We train every year to inspire students, improve their discipline, and help them love themselves, others, and the country,” Oringa said. He added that facilitators will cover topics on health, the environment, discipline, and crime prevention, in response to rising concerns such as poor waste disposal and environmental degradation.

Patricia Ninsima, a Senior Five student who hopes to become an army officer, said she was inspired by her father, whom she described as highly patriotic. Patience Lamara Otim said she enjoys the morning drills and hopes the training will strengthen her self-defence skills. She also plans to use the holidays to sensitise her community about the dangers of poor waste disposal around water sources, a major cause of water-borne diseases.   

Another Senior Five student, Mary Gracious Arwot, said she joined the training to better understand patriotism and intends to champion environmental protection in her community. Others cited lessons on discipline, environmental conservation, hygiene, and community service as key practices they hope to apply during the holidays. 

Elizabeth Faith Acayo commended the RDC for emphasising patriotism at workplaces through trustworthiness, honesty, and good time management. She plans to encourage her family to adopt better land-use practices, noting that continuous cultivation of one small plot has led to poor yields despite having more land available for rotation.  

Throughout the course, students will participate in morning drills and classroom lectures covering national emblems, environmental protection, community responsibility, hygiene, and security awareness. The six-day training will conclude on December 3 with a pass-out ceremony.