ALHAJI FARUK KIRUNDA: Uganda starts reaping the fruits of Patriotism

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Alhaji Faruk Kirunda arguing that President Yoweri Museveni’s long-running campaign for patriotism is starting to influence public behavior in Uganda. The article presents patriotism as one of the National Resistance Movement’s four guiding principles, alongside Pan-Africanism, socioeconomic transformation and democracy, and says the message is being promoted through a secretariat in the Office of the President and trainings in schools.

The piece says recent signs of progress can be seen in better discipline in schools, fewer strikes, and greater respect for authority and public property. It also links the patriotism campaign to broader public compliance with government initiatives such as trade order enforcement and monthly national clean-up exercises, arguing that Ugandans have generally accepted these measures for the sake of orderly communities and improved public spaces.

Kirunda’s commentary also revisits earlier periods of political unrest, saying that disruptive messages from opposition-linked groups failed to win broad support and instead encouraged violence among young people. The article contends that patriotism has helped shift attitudes toward civic responsibility and non-violent participation in public life.

As an opinion piece, the article is a political endorsement rather than a factual news report. Its significance lies in how State House allies are framing patriotism as a tool for social discipline, civic unity and support for government programs ahead of future political contests.