Over 1,700 students complete patriotism training in Rukungiri

What the report says

Students from four schools in Rukungiri Municipality have finished a week-long patriotism training run by the State House National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps. The programme brought together 1,738 learners and focused on discipline, national values, responsible citizenship and personal development, according to Nile Post. The pass-out ceremony took place on October 3 at Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale.

The event was presided over by Hellen Seku, who serves as State House Private Secretary to the President on Youth Affairs and as a commissioner with the patriotism secretariat. Participating schools were Immaculate Heart Girls School Nyakibale, Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences, Kinyasano Girls High School and Makobore High School. Most of the trainees were Senior One, Senior Five and first-year students.

During the ceremony, Seku encouraged students to avoid risky behaviour, stay in school, work hard and steer clear of early marriage. School leaders said the training helps build patriotism and prepares young people to contribute to national development, and they urged that it be held regularly. The Rukungiri deputy resident district commissioner also called on graduates to maintain discipline and show leadership.

The report also noted a concern raised by the district patriotism coordinator about a lack of uniforms and refresher training for patriotism patrons. More broadly, Uganda’s patriotism training has been used in schools as part of government efforts to promote civic values and ideological awareness among young people.