Commissioner Hellen Seku, National Coordinator of the National Patriotism Corps, has urged young Ugandans to cultivate patriotism, discipline, and a transformed mindset as pillars for national development. She delivered an inspirational lecture to 915 trainees at Nyakasura School, highlighting the importance of ideological clarity and personal responsibility.
The session, part of a joint patriotism training with Bukuuku Community Secondary School, aimed to equip students with self-discipline, national values, and a renewed commitment to Uganda’s progress. Seku emphasized the transformative power of knowledge, urging students to read widely beyond their academic curriculum. “You should love knowledge. Research and read good books outside your academic syllabus. Don’t do cram-work. Read to understand because in the 21st century we should love knowledge. The more you love knowledge, the wiser you become,” she said.
Commissioner Seku stressed that knowledge, discipline, and a strong value system are the backbone of national development. She encouraged trainees to take responsibility not only for their education but also for their communities. Highlighting Fort Portal’s status as Uganda’s cleanest city, she urged students to engage in activities such as cleaning hospitals, roads, and markets, demonstrating patriotism through tangible action.
Seku also called on students to rise early, reject laziness, and cultivate a disciplined lifestyle. “We should change our mindset as young people. Wake up at 5 am, take a shower, and start your day productively. Be women and men of substance, not circumstance,” she advised, linking personal discipline to future success and national contribution.
In her lecture, Seku reflected on the legacy of colonialism in Uganda, referencing Lord Macaulay’s 1935 letter advocating for English in Africa. She argued that colonial education and foreign influence eroded Uganda’s cultural identity and self-esteem. “Colonialists destroyed Uganda’s consciousness, identity, and pride. Ugandans adopted foreign languages and names, abandoning their own,” she noted.
The Commissioner warned students to remain vigilant against any renewed external exploitation. “If colonialists return to steal and destroy Uganda, patriots are ready to crash them,” she said, framing national pride as both a moral duty and a protective measure for the country’s sovereignty.
Trainees left the lecture energized, reflecting on their role in fostering patriotism, national duty, and cultural pride. Seku’s message underscored that the nation’s future depends on youth who are ideologically grounded, disciplined, and proactive in contributing to society.
The National Patriotism Corps continues to roll out similar engagements nationwide, aiming to nurture a generation of Ugandans committed to knowledge, civic responsibility, and cultural integrity.
