STATE HOUSE COMPTROLLER BAREKYE OPENS PATRIOTISM DEVELOPMENT COURSE AT KITEBI SS

The State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye yesterday officially
launched the Patriotism Development course at Kitebi Secondary
School.

Ms. Barekye who also delivered a lecture of opportunity to the students,
was warmly received by the Assistant Commissioner in charge of
training at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Captain
Richard Owaruhanga, Course Coordinator, Mr. Job Titus Seku, and Mr.
Muhammed Kamulegeya, the Head teacher of Kitebi SS and Patriotism
Coordinator for Rubaga Division.

In her address, Ms. Barekye thanked all stakeholders who contributed to
the success of the event.

She gave a brief background on why President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
initiated the patriotism program, now under the stewardship of
Commissioner Hellen Seku, whom she described as a hardworking
leader.

Ms. Barekye urged students to prioritize their studies so that Uganda
can have competent future leaders and professionals.

She emphasized that a true patriot does not repeat classes and
encouraged them to aim high.

“You can be anything you desire to be when you focus on your studies,”
she said.

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Ms. Barekye further cautioned students against engaging in immoral
behaviors, such as homosexuality, and advised them to avoid groups
that promote such vices.

“Choose friends who are disciplined, hardworking, and have good
character,” she said.

The State House Comptroller advised students to avoid divisive political
groups and refrain from insulting others over politics.

She reminded students that patriotism also involves self-care,
maintaining good hygiene and presenting themselves well.

Ms. Barekye expressed pride in the potential of the girl child, citing
national leaders such as the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja
and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among.

She also thanked President Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet
Kataaha Museveni, for the Universal Primary and Secondary Education
(UPE and USE) initiatives, noting that many learners, including herself,
have benefited from these programs.

On the other hand, Ms. Barekye informed students about the
Presidential Skilling Hubs project, which supports learners who may not
proceed to higher levels of education due to grades or financial
challenges.

“The hubs offer free training in carpentry, hairdressing, fashion,
engineering, and more, and even provide start‑up capital upon
completion,” she noted.

She emphasized that the skilling certificate offered under the hubs
program is equivalent to a senior four certificate and can be used for
further studies in tertiary institutions.

On his part, Mr. Kamulegeya thanked the Commissioner for NSPC, Ms.
Seku for extending the patriotism program to Kitebi SS, noting that over
3,000 students would participate in the training. He highlighted the
school’s large enrollment, including over 1,000 Senior One students and
460 Senior Five students.

Captain Owaruhanga expressed gratitude to the Chief Patron of
Patriotism, President Museveni, for his visionary leadership.

He thanked Ms. Barekye for accepting to preside over the function and
for supporting the program.

He further appreciated Commissioner Seku
for her commitment to strengthening patriotism among the youth, as well
as the team from NSPC and the instructors on the ground.

He also briefed the Comptroller on the topics to be covered during the
course.