President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has this afternoon urged Ugandan students to love fellow citizens because they need them for their prosperity.
President Museveni made the remarks today at Kololo Independence Grounds while passing out over 45,000 students from different secondary schools in Kampala who underwent a patriotism course. The President was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
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 President explained that when he launched the patriotism clubs in Uganda in February 2009, he talked about the different types of love which included among others, the love for Uganda which is very vital for all citizens since it immensely contributes to their wealth creation and prosperity.
“When I say love Uganda, I mean love all Ugandans, don’t discriminate but secondly, you need Uganda especially if you are a wealth creator like me who is a milk, beef and banana producer in Ntungamo and Rwakitura and with Maama and our children we produce all the three,” H.E Museveni said.
“But the problem we have is that the Banyankore don’t buy our milk, bananas and beef so much. Why? Because we are producing similar products. Therefore, who then buys our products? It is the people of Kampala and other parts of Uganda who don’t have time for the cows and don’t grow bananas. They are the ones who buy our products. If Uganda was not together if Ankole was alone in the form of a small state, we would have a lot of problems because we would all be producing similar products, but nobody would buy them. Therefore, for prosperity, you need Uganda,” he added.
President Museveni further stressed that the people who don’t love and care for Uganda, are parasites who don’t wish any good for the country.
On the same occasion, Gen Museveni thanked the leadership of the MK Movement led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for its efforts in building Patriotism among young people. The Mk Movement was represented by Dr Balaam Barugahara the National Vice Chairperson Western Region, Mr Frank Gashumba the National Vice Chairperson Central region, among others.
In his speech to the President and the large gathering, Mr Frank Gashumba stressed out the issue of patriotism being the core ground for a lovely and peaceful country. Gashumba said that patriotism is very important to be built in children from a young age because no matter what, Uganda will be their country.
He further thanked the President for coming up with such initiatives that bring Ugandans together and build the spirit of Nationalism. Gashumba also used the opportunity to let the President know that the MK Movement is ready to take on from him should he decide not to contest in any coming Presidential elections.
The event was also attended by 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
