PATRIOTISM: YES BUT WHICH TYPE AND FOR WHO MAINLY?

(sent to Daily Monitor as an Opinion)

Last week while appearing before presidential affairs committee, Frank Tumwebaze revealed that Cabinet is in its final stages of drafting a law which will force all citizens in the country to be part and parcel of patriotism. Hopefully, this bill if passed will catalyse performance of patriotism clubs in secondary schools which were initiated by president Museveni in 2009.

Bandwagon effect of these clubs didn’t leave me behind. I was a member of a dormant patriotism club at St Josephs Vocational School- Mbarara in my A ‘level between from 2010 to 2011.

Yes, I agree patriotism is imperative for our nation. However, Uganda is yearning for democratic patriotism not authoritarian patriotism. Authoritarian patriotism is guided by the following principles; Belief that one’s country is inherently superior to others, Primary allegiance to land, birthright, legal citizenship, and government’s cause, un questionable loyalty or respect order from above, Follow leaders reflexively and support them unconditionally. Do not gossip about the shortcomings and social discord within the nation, Conformity is supreme where dissents are seen as dangerous and destabilizing, etc.

Democratic patriotism is guided by the following principles; Belief that a nation’s ideals are worthy of admiration and respect, Primary allegiance to set of principles that underlie democracy, Care for the people of society based on particular principles for example liberty, justice, Giving space for outspoken nationals condemning shortcomings especially within nation and presenting alternative solutions, respecting and even encouraging dissent.

Importantly from democratic patriotism, It is prudent to respect dissent opposition political figures such as Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago, NRM rebel MPs, NRM pro- Mbabazi youth supporters, among others. To yield a perfect and long lasting patriotism, proponents of the bill should think about Uganda’s interests before those of political parties they are affiliated to.

Targeting children primarily

Patriotism ought to primarily target children through teaching them love and respect for our country which should begin at a young age. Today's children are tomorrow's taxpayers, voters and political leaders.

Let applause president Museveni for supporting patriotism clubs in secondary schools but why can’t government encourage teaching patriotism in primary schools and kindergartens. For example, leading kindergarteners through a variety of activities that will bring about a deeper understanding for the Uganda, its symbols and its freedoms.

Google the best way of inculcating patriotism among children, you will find out that USA citizens have the best mode of promoting nationalism. Here is what we can learn from them.

Explain to children meaning of our national flag. In USA for example, they are educated that 50 stars stand for our 50 states. The 13 stripes stand for the original 13 British colonies, whose citizens decided in 1776 that they wanted to govern themselves rather than be ruled by a king.

Teach them significance and origin of our independence. It is on this point that pro-NRM politicians must acknowledge the pre-1962 struggle before elevating NRA bush war that brought the current regime to power.

Yes, most children in primary and secondary schools can sing the national anthem but none of them know is meaning. I also don’t know it since no one explained to me what our national anthem means.

Most children have shifted focus to soccer mostly English Premier League, it is vital to teach them who our leaders are starting from president to LC leaders and why we need them. Months ago, I showed a 6yr old child two snaps, one of president Museveni and another of Wyne Rooney. The child recognised Rooney but failed to identify Museveni.