By Patricia Turyahebwa,
NTUNGAMO
“Patriotism education further equips the learners to become wholesome citizens who can fight to defend and actively participate in the development of our country,” said Helen Seku, the Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) Office of the President, while addressing students during the pass-out ceremony of over 900 students who had undergone one week of patriotism and ideological training at Rubaare Secondary School, Ntungamo on Saturday.
During the event, Seku called on the youth to abstain from premarital sex to avoid the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS and facing other social challenges. She said early pregnancies impede academic progress of female students, urging the girls to protect their future by prioritizing their education over fleeting distractions.
“Let me take this opportunity to advise you young people to abstain and say no to premarital sex. All items of treasure are hidden; one has to dig deep to find treasure. To young girls, I want you to know that you are the treasure of this country, and as such, do not allow boys and men to ruin your future with baseless promises,” Seku said.
She also advised the young men in the school to focus on their future and not be distracted by temporary physical attractions. “Young boys, you are the kings of the future. Do not allow young girls and women to distract you with earthly features,” she added.
On Saturday (September 28), out of the total number of students, 623 were girls, and 304 were boys. The training aimed to instill core values such as patriotism, discipline, and time management among the students.
In her keynote address, Seku referred to the alarming statistics that show 600 youth are infected with HIV every seven days. “I want to encourage all of you that you can only avoid being part of this number if you love yourself and attach value to yourself. Focus on your studies and leave reproductive activities for the adults,” she urged the students.
The NSPC Commissioner, who also serves as the Private Secretary to the President on youth affairs, stressed the importance of patriotism, explaining that the President’s vision of instilling norms and values of patriotism in Ugandan youth, which began in 2009, remains steadfast. She urged the students to take the training seriously, as it would transform them into enlightened citizens, capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation’s development.
“The President’s vision is still the same today. Through patriotism development training, you will acquire the knowledge and sense of pride in your nation, becoming tolerant, time-conscious, hardworking, and better equipped to succeed in a competitive world,” said Seku.
Isiah Kanyamahane, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Ntungamo District, also commended the students for their dedication to the training and emphasized the importance of remaining disciplined and focused on their future aspirations.
The headmistress of Rubaare SS, Monic Mpeirwe expressed her gratitude to NSPC for allowing the school to host the training. She acknowledged that the ideological training was beneficial in fostering patriotism and discipline among the students.
Meanwhile, Shepherd Nuwagaba, a Senior Three student at the school said the training would help eliminate cases of indiscipline among students, including tardiness and disrespect towards school bells. “We have been having serious cases of students delaying and disrespecting bells, but after completing the mindset change training, we are going to be time-conscious because time management is among the core values of patriotism,” Nuwagaba said.
Notable figures at the event included Deputy RDC Rosemary Atuhire, GISO Dickson Ayebazibwe, Inspector of Schools Robert Atuzarirwe, and ASP Ilam Muzoora (O/C Rubaare Police Station). The event underscored the importance of instilling strong moral values and patriotism in the youth of Uganda.
