Hoima students urged to lead fight against corruption, climate change

By George Niyonzima

Students in Hoima City have been urged to become key agents in the fight against corruption and climate change as they undergo a week-long patriotism training programme.

The call was made by Banabas Tugume, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Hoima, during the official launch of the one-week patriotism training at Kitara Secondary School in Hoima City.

Tugume said patriotism training is important in shaping responsible young citizens who understand their obligations to the country and can contribute to addressing challenges affecting society.

He identified corruption and climate change among the major challenges facing Uganda, calling on students to take an active role in finding solutions.

Tugume said corruption continues to undermine government efforts to deliver public services and partly attributed the vice to a lack of commitment and love for the country.

“As we take these young patriots through the training, we tell them what they owe the country and why they should act as key change agents, especially in fighting corruption,” Tugume said.

He also challenged the students to take an interest in environmental conservation, particularly through tree planting and maintaining clean surroundings.

Tugume said young people have an important role to play in addressing climate change by participating in activities that protect the environment and promote sustainable living.

Uganda continues to face significant pressure on its forest resources. Government environmental reports have indicated a long-term decline in forest cover, driven largely by agricultural expansion, charcoal production and fuelwood harvesting.

Tugume said schools should therefore use patriotism programmes to equip learners with knowledge and values that enable them to respond to such national challenges.

He also said the programme has helped address some challenges within schools, including student strikes, while strengthening relationships between learners and school administrators.

According to Tugume, the stronger relationship creates an opportunity for students to openly share challenges affecting them and work with administrators to find solutions.

Patrick Zahura, the headteacher of Kitara Secondary School, said patriotism training has had a positive impact on learners by promoting discipline, love for the country and respect for the environment.

“Patriotism training has helped in shaping academic performance among learners due to discipline. It has also enabled our learners to positively respond to environmental challenges by ensuring they live in a clean environment and participate in climate change activities, including tree planting,” Zahura said.

The training is part of government programmes aimed at promoting responsible citizenship and encouraging Ugandans, particularly young people, to identify national challenges and participate in finding solutions.

The programme also seeks to instil values of patriotism, discipline, responsibility and commitment to national development among students.