Under the arrangement, all S.6 leavers will undergo training at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi for at least three months, according to the commissioner for National Secretariat Patriotism Corps, Hellen Seku.
She says that the trainees will acquire hands-on skills that can enable them to earn a living and promote wealth creation. They will also be taught to love one another and their country. Seku made the remarks on Tuesday at the pass-out of senior three and senior five students of Gayaza High School who had been undergoing patriotism training for five days.Â
“Clause 2 says it is the duty of all abled citizens to undergo military training for the defence of this constitution and protection of the territorial integrity of Uganda whenever called upon to do so. And the state shall ensure that facilities are available for such trainings. It is the reason effective this year, we’re going to send senior six vacists [vacationers] to Kyankwanzi,” said Seku.
“Very compulsory. Yes…You can’t even be a cleaner in a government office when you have never trained as a patriot because when we train people when they are still young, we shall not have corruption scandals of people stealing public funds, billions of money. That is why we’re here to train you young ladies of substance,” she added.
The headteacher of Gayaza High School, Robinah Kizito decried the high cost of patriotism training, saying that government needs to intervene and share the cost with the organizers.Â
She encouraged the students to preach to their parents during the holidays to respect and love one another and the need to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Students shared their experience saying the patriotism camp has been a thrilling experience with lessons on persistence, perseverance, resilience, and self-defence.
