The functionality of patriotism in nation-building in Uganda

Abstract

This research paper explored the functionality of patriotism in nation-building in Uganda. It examined the meaning, materiality and essence of patriotism in Uganda, the efforts which had been made to promote it, the barriers to patriotism and the recommendations for its effective promotion as the brick and mortar for unshakeable nation-building in Uganda. This intentionality made this study prospective, ideological and programmatic. The study underpinned the inevitability of patriotism as the main catalyst or instrument for restructuring the multi-ethnic societies like Uganda into nations with homogeneous populations, outlooks, modes of thinking and programs. Patriotism also serves as an effective sensation that fuels every form of development. Great nations have made recourse to symbolic and icon patriotism in their efforts to build their national identity. This makes patriotism an imperative and sine qua non in whatever aspect of nation-building. Leadership is central in all cases. As such, state policy has to drive the process in order to guarantee to ensure social harmony and political stability. Iconography such as loyalty to fatherland/motherland, pledging allegiance to the country and to the national symbols has of necessity to be inculcated and developed into the young ones. Others include the conceptualization of a value system that transcends the ethnic, class and national borders. This brings into vogue a new one that is all encompassing; which invokes love, devotion and pride for one’s country and binds all people together into an indivisible force in support of nation-building. It is only after accomplishing that the nation-building project can bear fruit. Whereas there are efforts being inculcated in Uganda to strengthen patriotism for nation-building, still, much has remained on paper, with minimal evidence on the ground. A country like Uganda needs to priotise patriotism and invest more in its inculcation and nourishing. This will galvanize the efforts of all the Ugandans to contribute to nation-building. While there may be other ways to build nations, still, patriotism stands out above all of them because it has a profound history, with deep roots in society. It also looks out for those values that the population agrees to as what defines them as a ‘people’, a spirit of love, togetherness and devotion to the country and its leadership. Patriotism is like the oxygenated blood that runs in all the veins of a country.