President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the pass-out of 1,372 secondary school teachers from Greater Mbarara and Ntungamo regions after completing a patriotism training short course at Ntare School.

The training, which was conducted under the theme “Transforming Teachers’ Lives Through Patriotism”, brought together several teachers from eight districts including Mbarara City, Ntungamo, Rwampara, Isingiro, Ibanda, Kiruhura, and Kazo.

In his keynote address, the President congratulated the teachers and praised Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), and her team for delivering what he called “a timely and effective training.”

President Museveni reminded the teachers that patriotism is not about emotions, but a practical tool for national development. “Educated people who do not understand their role in society can be very dangerous,” he said, likening national leadership to medical practice, where diagnosis must come before treatment.

The President urged teachers to embrace the four pillars of the NRM which are patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy . He explained that prosperity in regions such as Ankole, Buganda, and Acholi must be linked to the progress of the entire nation, calling on teachers to instill in their students the spirit of patriotism.

On the issue of salary disparities, President Museveni clarified that scientists had been prioritised because their expertise was urgently needed for Uganda’s growth, but promised that arts teachers would also be catered for in the coming years. “Even artisan teachers are scientists in their own right,” he said.

The President also addressed the reported issue of teachers paying bribes to join the government payroll, pledging to investigate and act. He further urged teachers to lead in wealth creation through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, insisting that teachers, like all Ugandans, should actively participate in building the economy.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, congratulated the graduates, describing teachers as “a critical national asset” responsible for shaping young Ugandans. She stressed that patriotism means putting the nation above personal interests. “Prosperous countries are built by people who commit to the common good, even when resources are limited,” she said.

Ms. Seku of NSPC explained that the training was in response to teachers’ requests to be equipped as agents of change. The course covered patriotism, Pan-Africanism, East African integration, financial literacy, political economy, and NRM principles.

Mr. Saul Rwampororo, Head Teacher of Ntare School, said the training blended classroom lessons with military drills and that he was confident the values gained would ripple into schools and communities.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Mr. Perez Asiimwe thanked President Museveni for giving teachers the opportunity, noting that this was the first group in the region to receive such training. He also applauded the government for addressing teacher welfare through salary improvements.

The passing out of the 1,372 teachers marks a milestone in the government’s bid to embed patriotism in the education sector, ensuring that the next generation of Ugandans grows up with discipline, loyalty, and love for their country.