By Masejele Sulaiman
NABUMALI, MBALE DISTRICT – More than 2,400 students from schools across Bungokho Central Constituency have been urged to champion responsible leadership and positive social change following the conclusion of a week-long patriotism training program at Nabumali High School.
The intensive program drew a total of 2,434 Senior One and Senior Five students from nine educational institutions across the Bugisu sub-region. The curriculum focused heavily on nurturing student discipline, leadership development, national values, community service, crime prevention, and civic responsibility.
Translating Lessons into Action
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony, the host headteacher of Nabumali High School, who also doubles as the Mbale District Patriotism Coordinator, Madam Nabudde Margaret, challenged the learners to ensure the lessons translate into visible, practical actions within their respective communities.
Madam Nabudde described integrity, responsibility, and selflessness as non-negotiable qualities for anyone aspiring to guide the country’s socio-economic future.
As future leaders of Uganda, you have a duty to contribute positively to your communities and uphold values that promote peace, development, and social transformation, Madam Nabudde told the students.
The Bugisu Sub-region Patriotism Coordinator, Madam Namarome Betty Susan, commended school administrators and the student cohorts for their high level of discipline and commitment throughout the week. To sustain the momentum, Madam Namarome tasked school heads with strengthening institutional patriotism clubs and supporting patrons to ensure values are continuously practiced.
The success of the patriotism program depends on the collective efforts of administrators, teachers, patrons, and students, she noted.
Civic Duty and Crime Prevention
Local leaders also weighed in on the role of youth in community cohesion. The Mayor of Nabumali Town Council, Mr. Wekesa Moses, emphasized that personal growth and peaceful coexistence are rooted in how students interact with their parents, educators, and the wider public. He implored them to treat community members with utmost respect and cooperation.
On his part, the Mbale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Kizito Nkugwa, highlighted patriotism training as a vital shield against juvenile delinquency. He strongly warned the learners against destructive behaviours, particularly drug abuse, urging them instead to focus on their academic journeys and national unity.
The choices young people make today will determine not only their personal success but also the future development of their communities and the country, Mr. Nkugwa cautioned.
Participating Institutions
The multi-institutional training pulled participants from several prominent schools in the region, including:
- Nabumali High School
- Nyondo Secondary School
- Mulatsi Secondary School
- Nabumali Secondary School
- Busano Secondary School
- Bungokho Secondary School
- Mist High School
- Noor Islamic Secondary School
- Maumbe Mukhwana Memorial Institute
Education and district officials expressed optimism that the massive rollout of the program will successfully foster a new generation of service-oriented citizens capable of driving Uganda’s structural transformation.
