Patriotism, discipline is the soul of our nationalism

By Nabusayi L.Wamboka

Recently when the NRM Caucus members of parliament packed their bags to leave the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, they resolved on various issues, key among them to maintain the highest levels of conscious political and ideological discipline.

Museveni prepares for a range shooting exercise in National Political School Kyankwanzi on January 18. Behind him is Lt. Sam Kabwera, an instructor in UPDF

The members also strongly condemned what they described as errant behaviour of their colleagues who routinely flout the NRM constitution and disparage its leadership. 

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi (second left) and other NRM caucus MPs prepare to pick guns for the shooting range exercise at Kyankwanzi on January 18

This kind of soul searching and constant review of members ideological discipline is important to consolidate and strengthen what the party stands for. There is no institution that can survive without a mission and a vision and these are all born out of ideology.

President Yoweri Museveni with instructor Lt. Same Kabwera during a shooting range exercise at Kyankwanzi on January 18

The people of Uganda overwhelmingly decided that the NRM party must plan and implement what they agreed with the people of Uganda through its manifesto for the next five years.

There may be some schemers and saboteurs who have been thinking of misusing the fora of the state of Uganda to interfere with this work, but this is an uphill task, given that Ugandans resolve to match forward in development is undisputed and all attempts to derail them so far have been futile.

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi (right) and other MPs on NRM Caucus participating in a shooting range exercise in Kyankwanzi on January 18

When the caucus members headed for the open airs for target shooting, led by the President himself, it was reassuring to know that the drills are not just ideological but also practical.

Leadership is about showing the way – it is a mission and not a job. Museveni went into very difficult politics with a mission, including risking his life to remove the killers, bring democracy, nationalism, panAfricanism and social economic transformation.

Florence Mutyabule, the Namutumba Woman MP, holds her target board at the end of target shooting on January 18 at Kyankwanzi. She emerged among the best shooters.

We have achieved most of these and are now focusing on social economic transformation to consolidate this mission. What our leaders need now is to explain to the people the truth about our past, present and future, rather than to ingratiate themselves to the voters.

Minister without portfolio Richard Todwong checks out the number of bullets he shot on target at Kyankwanzi on January 18

Leadership and responsibility is a common mission between the politicians and all Ugandans and calls for patriotism and discipline if we are to build our nation.

Whoever thinks they can drag the country back to chaos should perish the thought.