Kanungu District is hosting the National Guidance Week for the Kigezi Sub-Region, a significant event spearheaded by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the district’s Member of Parliament. Held at Kinkiizi High School Nyakatare, the week-long initiative focused on fostering patriotism, political awareness, and the strengthening of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology among participants.
The National Guidance Week, organized by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology & National Guidance (MoICT&NG), aims to identify and cultivate patriotic cadres across all sectors of society. This effort is especially crucial given the challenges the NRM government faces in effectively identifying individuals who are committed to serving the country with integrity. In addition to recognizing these individuals, the initiative seeks to build a strong foundation of national pride, loyalty, and understanding of Uganda’s history.
Throughout the week, participants are being engaged in a comprehensive training program designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership. The training will cover a range of topics, including physical drills, Political Science, Basic Economics, and more, preparing the trainees for active roles in Uganda’s development.
During the launch of the event, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kanungu, Mr. Mwesigye Ambrose, addressed a key challenge Uganda faces: the failure of many leaders and decision-makers to fully grasp the nation’s direction and aspirations. He emphasized the need for a unified vision, aligning Uganda’s development goals with a collective commitment to prosperity and progress for all citizens.
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, a former teacher at Kinkiizi High School, took the opportunity to reflect on Uganda’s historical journey and urged the trainees to appreciate the importance of regional stability. He underscored the need for unwavering loyalty to the NRM agenda, which he described as the driving force behind Uganda’s progress. The Minister also reminded participants to consider the broader African context, warning against foreign interference that could threaten African sovereignty.
In a powerful segment of his speech, Dr. Baryomunsi drew attention to the tragic fates of former African leaders like President Mobutu Sese Seko of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Libya’s Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Despite their nations’ wealth in natural resources, both leaders met untimely deaths, and their countries fell into instability. The Minister cautioned the trainees about the dangers of external forces undermining Africa’s sovereignty, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to protecting the continent’s independence.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Dr. Baryomunsi stressed the importance of cultivating strong patriotism among Uganda’s future leaders. He urged them to be proactive in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and to work diligently to prevent the resurgence of imperialism that could threaten Uganda, East Africa, and Africa at large. He called for unity and a collective effort to build an Africa that serves its people and preserves its cultural identity and resources from foreign exploitation.
The National Guidance Week at Kinkiizi High School Nyakatare serves as a reminder of the critical role that patriotic leadership plays in shaping Uganda’s future. Through the promotion of self-reliance, unity, and national pride, this initiative is empowering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to Uganda’s growth and secure its position in the global community.