Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called for the revival of patriotism clubs in schools to help cultivate a sense of love and loyalty for the country among students.
During the graduation ceremony of 1,490 patriots from 17 secondary schools and 2 tertiary institutions in Katakwi District, the Vice President emphasized that introducing patriotism to students at a young age could deter them from engaging in negative activities such as strikes, sectarianism, subversion, and alcoholism.
Alupo praised the growing number of participants, stating that it indicates a positive development for the program. She also commended the teachers for motivating the student patriots to actively participate. Last year, the district produced 1,000 patriots.
The Vice President expressed gratitude to Maj. Godfrey Katamba, the Katakwi Resident District Commissioner, for his efforts in ensuring the success of the program.
Alupo emphasized the importance of instilling values of unity and considering Uganda as a strong foundation in young individuals to prevent divisive tendencies later in life. She credited President Yoweri Museveni’s clear-headed leadership for this approach.
Maj. Godfrey Katamba, who chaired the organizing committee for the event, revealed that the 1,490 patriots consisted of senior one and five students from 11 government schools, six private schools, two technical schools, 37 civil servants, and 11 teachers.
Katamba commended President Museveni, the initiator of the Patriotism movement in secondary schools, and applauded the Vice President for promoting patriotism in Katakwi District.
The student patriots underwent education on various topics including Uganda’s political landscape, core values of patriotism, nation building, national symbols, military drills, citizen duties, Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, HIV/AIDS, climate change, the effects of corruption, nationalism, and pan-Africanism.
Maj. Sam Emoit, representing Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye, the commissioner of Patriotism clubs in the Office of the President, thanked the Commander in Chief for introducing the concept of mindset change through patriotism.
Emoit emphasized the need for every Ugandan to undergo ideological liberation, highlighting the importance of education in breaking barriers. He urged the new patriots to study hard, as it is crucial for their future leadership roles.
