The Commissioner for the National Patriotism Corps (NPC), Ms Hellen Seku, has called on private school proprietors to fully embrace patriotism training, warning that participation is a constitutional duty, not optional.
Ms Seku made the remarks on Friday during a passing-out ceremony at Mbarara High School, where 1,500 ‘young patriots’ were commissioned under the national programme.
‘We have been having fights with some private schools, some headteachers and directors openly resist patriotism classes for reasons known only to them,’ Ms Seku said, adding: ‘Until we had to involve the Minister of Education . and other stakeholders to officially write letters directing the schools to cooperate.’
She emphasised that the programme is a government initiative, and denying children access amounts to withholding their constitutional right to information.
‘These are government programmes and government children, you cannot deny learners their right to information. Even if a child is in a private school, patriotism education is their entitlement, free of charge,’ she said.
Ms Seku also appealed to local government officials, including Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, district authorities, church leaders, and community stakeholders, to support enforcement and ensure that NPC instructors are welcomed in all schools.
The call aligns with Article 15 of the Constitution, which under ‘National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy’ instructs citizens and the State to foster unity, solidarity, civic responsibility, and respect for Uganda’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
‘Young people must have value, discipline and national consciousness. This is the time for them to shine,’ Ms Seku said, noting the role of patriotism training in instilling discipline, respect for public property, and national consciousness.
The Commissioner also urged the youth to vote wisely in the upcoming general elections on January 15, 2026, stressing that their decisions will shape Uganda’s future.
In recent months, the NPC has intensified outreach efforts despite resistance from some private schools concerned about curriculum interference or institutional autonomy.
Seku warned that such pushback undermines the development of responsible, value-driven citizens.