‘Promoting patriotism in schools key to nurturing stewardship’

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In an effort to nurture a sense of responsibility and stewardship among learners, the Ministry of Education and Sports has urged schools to prioritise patriotism sessions.

The acting commissioner for university education and training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Prof. Timothy Musoke Ssejjoba, explained that genuine patriotism requires citizens who value integrity, protect public resources, respect diversity, promote justice, and contribute productively to society.

Professor Timothy Musoke Ssejjoba posing for a photo during the grand finale of the youth debate and literary championship at Kyambogo College School in Banda on 22 May 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

“Patriotism and Pan-Africanism are not contradictory, actually they complement each other. When we love our country, then we shall surely love our continent. It is going to be very hard for us to love our continent without loving our country,” stated Ssejjoba.

To the young people, Ssejjoba said Pan-Africanism should remind them that Africa's prosperity depends on cooperation, shared identity, innovation, and collective progress.

“Sustainable development can only be achieved by empowered, informed, and value-driven young people. Therefore, you should be patriotic, embrace volunteerism and offer service to the community in order to contribute to the development of our country.” Ssejjoba advised young people.

He made the remarks during the grand finale of the youth debate and literary championship organised by Thenuel Debate and Literary Fronesis (TDELF) at Kyambogo College School in Banda over the weekend.

This year’s debate was held under the theme: Patriotism with Pan Africanism; for social justice, quality Education and Culture; for actual nation building and sustainable development.

According to TDELF, this championship brings together hundreds of youth from Child Development Centres supported by Compassion International Uganda and secondary schools across the country.

Emmanuel Obore, Thenuel Debate and Literary Fronesis (TDELF), executive director addressing journalists during the grand finale of the youth debate and literary championship at Kyambogo College School in Banda on 22 May 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

During the ceremony, out of the 10 schools that participated in debate, quiz and poetry. Queen of Hearts Secondary School Kigoma, emerged the overall best school, followed by Lumino High School as the first runners-up, and Kyamate Secondary School took third place.

According to Ssejjoba, debate and public speaking are not luxuries; they help in development of critical thinking, create confidence, develop research skills and respectful engagement.

“Debating trains you to respectfully engage, even when you are not in agreement. It also supports evidence-based arguments. Poetry and literature preserve culture, shape identity, and amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard,” Ssejoba told learners.

Students interacting during the grand finale of the youth debate and literary championship at Kyambogo College School in Banda on 22 May 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

He commended TDELF for not only equipping youth with public speaking skills, but also taking intellectual and digital engagement to the grassroots, saying this is vital for inclusive national development.

The executive director of TDELF, Emmanuel Obore, said the annual championship helps to build critical thinking, public speaking and leadership skills among learners.

Through structured competition in debate, poetry, quiz, drama, writing, music, and dance, Obore disclosed that they create an environment where young people move from passive learners to active thinkers and communicators.