The Leader of the Opposition wants government to clarify whether the proposed military and national service training will be compulsory, questioning how patriotism can be taught while constitutional rights are at stake.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has asked government to clarify whether proposed military and national service training for Senior Six leavers will be compulsory, arguing that patriotism should be grounded in respect for the Constitution and human rights.
Speaking in Parliament, Ssenyonyi, who represents Nakawa Division West, said parents had approached him seeking clarification on the purpose of the proposed training and whether their children would be required to participate.
He questioned the government's approach to promoting patriotism, citing incidents in which young people carrying Uganda's national flag during election campaigns were allegedly subjected to violence.
“During campaigns, Mr Speaker, young people were being clobbered and brutalised for holding the national flag of the country, but now we are telling them, we want to teach you patriotism,” Ssenyonyi said.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang defended the proposed training, encouraging young leaders to participate voluntarily in programmes conducted at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Ogwang argued that patriotism training did not require participants to support the ruling party, citing Ssenyonyi's own participation in the Muchaka Muchaka training before joining a different political party.
He also defended national service as a constitutional requirement, saying the training would help young people understand Uganda's history and develop a sense of national identity and responsibility.
The exchange highlights questions about how government intends to promote patriotism among young people, including whether the proposed training will be voluntary or compulsory and how the programme will safeguard constitutional rights and freedoms.