Patriotism training plays a crucial role in shaping the future of any nation, and Uganda is no exception. In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to equip young Ugandans with the knowledge, values, and skills that will enable them to contribute positively to their communities and the nation as a whole.
It is against that background that the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) was established in 2009 by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni.
NSPC is a department under the Office of the President responsible for the promotion of Patriotism ideology in schools. It is mandated to develop and coordinate Patriotism clubs in all post primary and institutions countrywide.
The ultimate goal of this program is to produce a new breed of enlightened citizens committed and devoted to the national cause willing to sacrifice for the country.
Vision & Mission
To be the best national student and youth program that nurtures patriotic Citizens. Its mission is to inculcate values and norms of patriotism in students and youth of Uganda in order to develop resourceful, responsible, disciplined, and resilient citizens who are loyal and ready to defend and transform Uganda.
Legal Framework
The 1995 constitution, under Section xxix of the National Objective and Directive Principles of State Policy, commands every citizen of Uganda to be patriotic and loyal to their country. Stated, as “The exercise and enjoyment of rights is inseparable from the fulfilment of duties. Among the duties is that every citizen of this country must be patriotic and loyal to this country.”
The constitution further in Article 17 (2) commands that it will be the duty of all able-bodied citizens to undergo military training for the defence of this country and the Constitution whenever called upon, and the state shall ensure that facilities are available for such training.
The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of Uganda, who is the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
NSPC Leadership
At the helm of leadership is Brig. Hellen Seku (NSPC Commissioner). She is deputised by Beatrice Bananuka (NSPC Assistant Commissioner), Mubaraka Magomu (NSPC Assistant Commissioner Monitoring and Evaluation), and Hadijjah Wegosasa (Principal Assistant Secretary).
Program Aims.
According to the President, to achieve Uganda’s aspirations as stated in Vision 2040, citizens need to have the right attitude and the right mindset, particularly towards work, improving competitiveness, and having collective participation.
As such, NSPC’s clubs in schools form the nucleus of a team of young people inculcated with the spirit of conscious discipline, unity, hard work, and love for the country, a foundation for building a National Patriotic Corps (NPC).
NSPC offers ideological training and workshops for teachers and students, coordinates all ideological development activities and patriotism, and also develops and disseminates Patriotism literature all over the country.
In doing so, its strategic imperatives intend to defeat ideological distortion, universalize patriotism (primary and university), and enhance public awareness and acceptance, by mandatory mainstreaming of patriotism in all schools and institutions.
In executing its mandate by inculcating learners with patriotism values, the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps has ensured that learners have love, loyalty and sacrifice, responsibility, discipline, and duty towards their country.
Program milestones
The Commissioner for National Secretariat for Patriotism Hellen Seku in April 2024 passed out over 7,000 patriots at Old Kampala SS. There was also a pivotal shift in leadership, with outgoing Commissioner Brig Gen Patrick Mwesigye passing the baton to Ms. Hellen Seku.
Under Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye’s stewardship, NSPC has flourished, instilling a sense of national pride and unity amongst the citizens. It has created a culture where many citizens feel valued, heard, and actively engaged in contributing towards our nation’s progress.
NSPC has strengthened national pride by taking Patriotism Training to Uganda’s five Technical Colleges. These include UTC Kichwamba in Fort Portal, UTC Bushenyi, UTC Lira, UTC Elgon, and UTC Kyema Hoima district.
There has also been promotion of patriotism among secondary school students of Greater Mpigi.
Location: Sir Apollo Kaggwa Rd., P.O. Box 7168, Kampala, Uganda
Email: secretary@op.go.ug Tel: 254881/6, /343926