Ugandans must work to achieve Vision 2040

May 19, 2013

Patriotism, enshrined as a duty of every citizen in the 1995 National Constitution of Uganda, is fast coming home to perch – and breed.

By Lulu Itipa

Patriotism, enshrined as a duty of every citizen in the 1995 National Constitution of Uganda, is fast coming home to perch – and breed.

The Uganda Vision 2040 listed it among key strategies to “Develop and nurture a national value system to change citizens’ mindsets, promote patriotism, enhance national identity and nurture a conducive, ideological orientation.”

As if to dare every Ugandan to take cause in this testament, Professor Tarsis Kabwegyere, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, challenged northern and West Nile Resident District Commissioners (RDCs)and Deputy Resident District Commissioners (D/RDCs) that: “Die off, if you have no imagination about this opportunity to supervise it as a national programme.” He was the Guest Speaker at a regional workshop for the RDCs and D/RDCs organised by the Minister of the Presidency, Frank Tumwebaze, accompanied by Richard Todwong, the Minister In-charge of Political Mobilization and Henry Banyenzaki State Minister for Economic Monitoring at Bomah Hotel, Gulu municipality on April 23, 2013.

What Vision 2040 captured as stated above was one of the issues the workshop deliberated on at length. The workshop strongly recommended, which recommendation it said will be presented to President Yoweri Museveni that the RDCs and D/RDCs ensured implementation of the strategy in accordance with guidelines prepared by Patriotism Secretariat and signed by Lt. Col. Henry Masiko, Commissioner/Patriotism Clubs. Dr. Yusuf K. Nsubuga on behalf of the Permanent Secretary issued the guidelines to all Chief Administrative Officers and District Education Officers copied to RDCs in CIRCULAR NO. 28/2012 dated December 4, 2012.

In the circular, Dr. Nsubuga in 4.0 Mainstreaming of Patriotism activities said, “You will recall that in 2009, the President launched Patriotism Clubs in all schools and other post primary educational institutions. … this Government programme is a high priority intervention intended to inculcate norms and values of patriotism among teachers, students and other youths in the schools/institutions. You are, therefore, requested to ensure that patriotism activities are incorporated in the school programme and activities.” This is a high itinerary for all Ugandans to partake in pertinent with coordination structure whose overall patron is the President of Uganda. The day-to-day political supervisor is the Minister of the Presidency.

The Patriotism Secretariat develops and coordinates the patriotism clubs in secondary schools country-wide. The RDC monitors, coordinates and offers ideological guidance (mentorship) to coordinators of school patrons at district level. The head teachers and patrons ensure existence of patriotism activities in schools based on routine programmes of hoisting the National and East African Community Flags, singing national anthem (all three stanzas) and that of East African Community, integrating patriotism messages into the delivery of all subjects, foot drills and physical fitness exercises (healthy lifestyle), promotion of creativity, community service and volunteerism. Furthermore, participating in inter-school patriotism gala, symposium/seminar, national training programmes organised by Office of the President or jointly with Ministry of Education and Sports.

As if to rub it in that the RDCs are the Presidency’s multi-sensory agents, the workshop under the serene gaze and grasp of the Secretary, Office of the President Ms T. Kinalwa, also drew in the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, Security and Uganda National Road Authority. Inherently, Prof. Kabwegyere conclusively put it to every citizen to take cause that the Vision 2040 on patriotism is achieved. He said: “It is like crossing a river. It will not stop flowing because you want to cross it. You must devise a mechanism to cross it” – and be imbued with patriotism.

 

Lulu Itipa works with the Patriotism Secretariat

Kampala

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