The State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Nambozo Florence Wamala, has urged the implementation of robust patriotism programs, commencing from a tender age, across the Karamoja sub-region.
She made this call during the graduation ceremony of over 600 students who completed a two-week patriotism training at Kangole Primary Girls School playground in Napak district today. “Patriotism should be taught from early childhood to promote citizens’ love for their country, unity and defend it at all times,” Minister Nambozo emphasised.
The students, drawn from various schools, including Kangole Girls Secondary School, St. Daniel Comboni Secondary School, Napak Seed Secondary School, St. Andrew Secondary School Lotome, and Moroto Technical Institute, participated in the training.
Minister Nambozo noted that the Karamoja sub-region is endowed with immense potential and a unique heritage, which every individual should strive to showcase to the world, demonstrating the region’s transformative progress. She encouraged parents to add value to their children’s education and protect girls from early marriages.
The Minister also urged leaders to maintain close ties with their constituents, preventing youths from being lured into criminality and promoting peace initiatives and coexistence.
The State Minister pledged to maintain close working relationships with local leadership structures and security agencies to curb criminality and expedite the implementation of government programs.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Napak, Mr. Okori Denis, stressed that the patriotism program aims to equip students with core values to serve their motherland, remaining transparent, committed, and self-driven human resources for national development.
The RDC commended the joint security forces, led by Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, for their continued support and contribution to the patriotism programs.
He congratulated the students on their resilience and commitment throughout the training period. Principals and head teachers of participating schools highlighted that continued patriotism programs enhance students’ understanding of political ideology, leadership skills, and create a positive mindset change.
The students underwent training in basic concepts of political education, values of political education and management, and allies and adversaries of Uganda, among other topics.
Present at the graduation ceremony were 3 Division Officers, Mr. Wachara John Bosco, the Napak District Patriotism Officer, principals and head teachers of participating institutions, and senior officers from security agencies.