Mbarara City, September 2025 | Uganda’s journey of transformation gained fresh momentum as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the passing-out of 1,372 secondary school teachers from Greater Mbarara and Ntungamo regions, who successfully completed a patriotism training at Ntare School.
The course, held under the theme “Transforming Teachers’ Lives Through Patriotism”, marks a turning point in embedding national values within the education system, positioning teachers as agents of change in classrooms and communities across the country.
Patriotism as a Strategic Tool for Development
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the teachers and underscored the importance of patriotism in nation-building. He likened leadership to medicine, emphasising that leaders must correctly diagnose society’s problems if they are to prescribe lasting solutions.
“It is very dangerous to have citizens, especially educated people, who don’t know what is required to live a good life. Management of society, like medicine, requires the right diagnosis. If leaders don’t make it, society fails,” the President said.
He traced the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) approach since 1986, highlighting the identification of Uganda’s three historical missions and the establishment of its four core principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. These, he emphasised, remain essential for prosperity in all regions, from Ankole to Buganda, Acholi to Karamoja.
From Regional Identity to National Unity
President Museveni reminded teachers that true patriotism is rooted not in emotion but in necessity. Prosperity for any Ugandan community, he said, can only thrive within a strong and united Uganda.
“If you say you care about Ankole but not Uganda, you are not serious. Uganda is what helps the Banyankore and other tribes to prosper. Patriotism means loving your country because your future depends on it,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of Pan-Africanism as the natural extension of patriotism. With Uganda’s internal market limited, external markets across East Africa and the continent are critical for sustaining industrial and agricultural production.
Teachers as Catalysts of Transformation
The President challenged teachers to not only impart academic knowledge but also model patriotism, discipline, and wealth creation. He called on them to embrace the four sectors of growth – commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT – and transmit that vision to students.
He also addressed concerns around teachers’ welfare, clarifying why scientists were prioritised for salary enhancement.
“We need scientists to build roads, factories, veterinary services, and innovations. That’s why they were prioritised. But arts teachers and artisans will also be paid well, systematically and sustainably. Artisans, in fact, are scientists too,” he assured.
On corruption in teacher recruitment, the President promised to address cases of bribery in payroll access.
