The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda made the remarks today at Kololo Independence Grounds during the passing out of over 45,000 students from different secondary schools in Kampala who underwent a patriotism course. The event was taken over by the President in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni as the guests of honour.
The participants were drawn from the 254 secondary schools in the five divisions of Kampala city. The training course ran under the theme: “Patriotism for socio-economic transformation”.
The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda said the NRM’s four core principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and democracy have been key in converting the country from a failed state in the 1980s to a prospering and healthy democracy.
“Your Excellency sir, I’m happy to note that the leaders of Kampala have been at the forefront of partnering in putting into practice the four core principles but particularly the principle of patriotism. Patriotism is everything in building a nation. Without a patriotic population, you waste your time setting up beautiful infrastructure, great health centres and schools etc,” Hon. Babalanda said.
The Minister stressed that patriotism is a strong pillar of development since it is the basis of strong homes, admirable communities and respectable nations.
“Your Excellency sir, what we are witnessing today is a key milestone for the Kampala Metropolitan area which is the heart and engine of Uganda in nearly everything. This kind of training is the medicine to deal with the challenge in Kampala where our young people are being misled into illegal activities that have the potential to not only cut short their lives but to cripple development and promote hatred of the government.”
The event was also attended by Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, NRM Secretary General, Hon. Richard Todwong, among other dignitaries.
