VANESSA A
Kyamakanda Secondary School in Rukungiri District has passed out 515 students after a six-day patriotism training program aimed at instilling discipline, self-reliance, and national pride among learners.
The passing-out ceremony was presided over by the Chairman Board of Governors, who also doubles as the Mayor of Kebisoni Town Council, Mr. Alex Nathan Mugabe. He applauded the initiative, noting that patriotism training is crucial in shaping students’ character, discipline, and self-defense skills, as well as helping them discover their talents.
Mr. Mugabe emphasized that the Kyamakanda community is already witnessing the positive impact of patriotism, with the school now leading in discipline compared to past years. He encouraged the students to embrace transformation both in heart and action, stressing that hard work and discipline are the foundation of success.
Rukungiri District Patriotism Coordinator, Mr. Vital Bashaha, explained that the training falls under State House initiatives that started in 2019, anchored in Uganda’s Constitution. The program’s main goal is to nurture a spirit of self-love and patriotism, particularly among young people in secondary schools, so that they grow up intentional about personal and national development.
He highlighted that the sessions cover financial literacy, sanitation, physical fitness, and discipline. Students were urged to apply these lessons in daily life, remain focused on their academics, and avoid becoming what he termed “educational fools.”
The Chairman PTA, Mr. Henry Ngatireyo, commended the school for supporting the program and encouraged students to guard themselves, their families, their school, and the nation by avoiding strikes, drug abuse, and other destructive habits. He called on the government to expand the program to other schools given its immense benefits.
Headmaster David Turyamusima Kapira reaffirmed the school’s commitment to molding holistic citizens. He noted that Kyamakanda aims to ensure every learner graduates not only academically competent but also equipped with leadership and life skills. He urged students to sustain the discipline and values instilled during the training for the betterment of their future and the nation.
The training, which involved Senior One, Senior Two, Senior Three, and Senior Five students, ended with celebrations that reflected both pride and renewed commitment to patriotism at Kyamakanda Secondary School.
