Patriotism and morality go together

By Robert Mugumya 

THERE is public outcry about corruption, shameless greed and the exposure of the appalling public scandals in Uganda. Most of the exposed corruption scandals so far involve highly educated public figures, including doctors and professors.

So what is missing in these highly educated, well-off citizens of this nation? The answer is found in the famous words of President Roosevelt, former American President: “To educate a person in mind without morals is to educate a menace in society.”

Yet it is also true that many of the outraged public is no better than corrupt government officials in various moral aspects, dishonesty inclusive. What then should we do as a nation to fix the problem? 

As a way forward, there is need for reconstructing our moral fiber through moral education. Whereas NRM Government has reconstructed roads, hospitals, factories, courts of law, tourist sites, power dams and schools, reconstruction of human morals has not been taken seriously.

As a result we are paying a heavy price due to the fact that the Government systems are run by people who are not morally refined. Given the imperfect nature of human beings, we have the potential to do both good and evil; and because of our limitedness as persons, we also have the possibility of doing evil rather than good.

Hence there is need for moral education to uplift human moral standards and strengthen our conscience.

By over emphasising patriotism with no consideration of morality, our government seems to underestimate the quality or value human acts have on society. With moral education people can have full moral command of their human faculties in decision-making with sound judgment, and be able to take personal responsibility for their actions.

Moral education will help us in the effective fight against corruption and other social ills in Uganda.  As a long-term measure we must target the young and instill good character and morals in them to develop good judgment, integrity and trustworthiness. 

Patriotism is a good concept for the nation but it does not explain why some Ugandans are upright and others despicable or honest and others corrupt. Therefore, the promotion of patriotism should include a full dose of moral education if Uganda is to have future leaders with integrity.

Patriotism will only address symptoms of corruption in our society. That is why some Kyankwanzi graduate cadres are no better than other Ugandans when it comes to corruption and abuse of office! The reason is simple; “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” 

 We cannot have sustainable security for life, for property, for public funds or reputation if the sense of moral obligation deserts human hearts. In fact morality is a great pillar of human conduct, social harmony and the firmest prop of our duties as citizens.

It would be very essential for our nation if moral education was made compulsory in all Kindergartens and primary schools as a step to reconstruct the moral fiber of our society. School teachers are in good position to instill good morals and character in school children in partnership with parents. Moreover, teachers spend more time with our children than some parents do.

Finally, without moral education in primary schools, our leaders should not expect ethical values of good citizens. How can one have love for the country when he/she has no love for fellow countrymen? The moral virtue of love develops through parental love and moral education.

Let us guard against educating a menace in society by promoting moral education in schools. A future Uganda deserves better citizens.

The writer is a researcher