Museveni launches national environmental protection campaign at Kitebi

Kampala, (UG):- President Yoweri Museveni Friday launched the National Patriotism Environmental Protection campaign and called upon the Ugandan youths to promote patriotism and actively participate in the conservation of Uganda’s environment.

The goal of the environmental protection campaign, led by the patriotism secretariat, is to plant one million trees in 18 zones across the country by the end of this year.

Speaking to students and young patriots at Kitebi Secondary School in Rubaga Division, Kampala, H.E Museveni recognized the significance of patriotism in promoting prosperity and said he was happy with the campaign since it aims at conserving the environment.

“Maama Janet and I launched the National Patriotism Environmental Protection campaign at Kitebi Secondary School in Rubaga Division, Kampala. I congratulate Miss Hellen Seku and her group for successfully rallying the youth to promote patriotism and actively participate in environmental conservation efforts,” said Mr Museveni in a post via his official account on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m glad that you are coming out and you are coming out strongly to chase people who are in the wetlands. We told them to leave the wetlands. The ones in Bukedi, Kigezi and Busoga were misled by the British, but the others have no reason why they encroached on the wetlands. But even the ones in Bukedi, Busoga and Kigezi we shall compensate them to get out of the natural resources,” the President urged.

The President also underscored the role of patriotism in promoting prosperity. “The politics of interest is more crucial, that is why we said you people don’t get lost. Yes, you are a Munyankore, Muganda Mucholi but you should love Uganda. Why love Uganda? Because you need it for your prosperity. Uganda is going to help you prosper more than your tribe. That is why we came up with principle number one of the NRM which is patriotism,” said President Museveni who is the national patron for Patriotism in the country.

“When Uganda stabilised and we started producing more, we found out that the internal market of Uganda is not enough, so we need the regional market. That is why we came up with principle number two, Pan- Africanism; love Africa to become prosperous. But in order to benefit from all this, you must undergo socio-economic transformation by working for both the stomach and the pocket with “ekibaro” and achieving education,” he added.

President Museveni on the other hand, reiterated his call to government schools to stop charging fees from learners. “This is what we are studying. Where we are heading, we are going to become more tough, and I would like to insist on free education in government schools. I’m glad Kitebi has maintained the arrangement of day-school because that was our plan, boarding schools are not required because they increase the costs,” he said.

“For Kitebi, I want to thank you although you are charging something small. Thank you because Mr. Kamulegeya and his staff at least they are okay. They charge Shs450,000 a year but other schools are charging Shs9 million a year. Kitebi you have tried, you collect small fees and teach well. If Kitebi can do this when they are a town school, how about you in the rural areas where you don’t have so many demands? We are going to use the experience of Kitebi for further action,” Mr Museveni added.

While belonging to a tribe is important, the President said it is crucial to prioritize the politics of interest over identity. “Regardless of one’s tribe, we should love Uganda, love East Africa and love Africa because they are all necessary for our prosperity,” he said.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni thanked Kitebi Secondary School for holding high the flag of patriotism by implementing government programs in a correct way.

The First Lady also explained that the National Patriotism Environmental Protection Campaign lends an additional goal and energy to the NRM government’s efforts to raise awareness about the urgency of combating global warming worldwide.

“I commend the NRM government for establishing this national program that is ably led by the National Secretariat for Patriotism headed by Commander Seku. I’m told that the secretariat has diligently promoted patriotism in our schools thus enabling our young people to embrace the spirit of love for their country,” Maama Janet said.

“Creating awareness and teaching our young generation about patriotism is critical to fostering unity, our national identity and our heritage thus inspiring young people to choose to love their homeland, develop our country and build a legacy for generations to come.”