By Patricia Turyahebwa,
KAMPALA
When Hellen Seku was appointed Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) on January 9th, 2024, few could have predicted the sweeping transformation she would bring on ground. Yet within just twenty one months, she has not only redefined leadership within the Patriotism Office, but has also reinvigorated national identity across Uganda.
As she took the oath of office, Seku made a vivid and compelling promise to Ugandans, “The gospel of patriotism will reach every citizen because Uganda is our only homeland that we must love, cherish, sacrifice for, and remain loyal to it.”
From the very beginning, Seku made it clear that her appointment was not a ceremonial role, it was a mission.
Armed with principles of service, dedication, love, and loyalty, she stepped into a role; leveraged modern tools including social media, grassroots mobilization, school-based training, and university symposiums to reach every corner of Uganda.
With a deep understanding of Uganda’s sociopolitical fabric and an unwavering love for her country, she’s out to reshape the ideological landscape of the nation, particularly among the youth.
“Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the power of today. But many are ideologically polluted, misled by half-truths and foreign influences. This must change,” she asserted during her maiden address.
Seku’s appointment was historic in many ways. She became the first woman and the first civilian to lead the Patriotism Secretariat, an office traditionally headed by military officers. Her appointment was met with skepticism by some, but Seku has silenced all doubt with action, vision, and results.
She became the first NSPC Commissioner to be recognised of her outstanding contributions to national development when she was inducted into Uganda’s Top 75 Development Champions a prestigious honor awarded by Public Opinions Uganda which accolade is a reflection of her tireless efforts, aligning with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Uganda Vision 2040.
What makes Seku’s leadership truly revolutionary is her inclusive approach. Under her guidance, patriotism is no longer just a classroom concept but a national movement. She has successfully integrated patriotism education into almost every school across the country, forming active Patriotism Clubs that are now central to fostering loyalty, discipline, and responsible citizenship among students.
But her vision extends beyond the classroom. Seku has expanded the program into the informal sector reaching out to market vendors, boda boda riders, taxi drivers, professionals like headteachers, teachers, journalists, medics, university chapter leaders and young adults in communities often overlooked in national campaigns.
However, through tailored training and engagement, she has brought the spirit of patriotism to the very heart of Uganda’s day-to-day life by defeating all sorts of ideological distortion.
As a Commissioner, Seku has articulated a bold, clear vision for all citizens to embrace the core values of patriotism. socio-economic transformation and Pan-Africanism. Her mission is not just about loving Uganda but understanding its role within Africa and empowering youth to drive Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Through mobilization energies, various wealth creation barazas, campaigns, outreaches and environmental protection drives, Seku has championed a holistic model of civic engagement. Whether it’s cleaning markets, planting trees, or mobilizing youth for peace dialogues, she has turned patriotism into a living, breathing force for change.
True to her nickname, Commander Seku leads from the front. She has conducted numerous school visits across the country through monitoring and evaluation of patriotism activities by personally assessing the performance of Patriotism Clubs and encouraging learners to stay committed to national values.
Her presence has boosted morale, elevated discipline, and curbed strikes in schools, proving that leadership rooted in service and empathy yields tangible results having managed to train a total of 192,856 Ugandans, of which 90,702 are male and 102,154 females.
She has also spearheaded the training and monitoring of 1114 secondary schools, trained and monitored 62 Higher Institutions of learning.
This vividly indicates that Hellen Seku’s journey is more than a story of leadership but a blueprint for transformation. She has turned ideology into impact, and skepticism into success. In less than two years, she has reshaped the national conversation around patriotism, brought unity where there was division, and inspired a generation to believe in their country again.
As Uganda continues its march toward Vision 2040, it does so with renewed confidence in no small part, but to a woman who dared to dream beyond tradition and serve beyond self.
The National Patriotism program was launched by President Museveni in 2009 with the aim of inculcating norms and values of patriotism in students and youth of Uganda in order to develop resourceful, responsible, resilient citizens who are loyal and ready to defend and transform Uganda.
