Lagwai Seed Patriotism Club cleans Pader Main Market ahead of pass-out

18 August 2026, 17:06

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Lagwai Seed Secondary School students have cleaned Pader Main Market as part of a week-long patriotism training. The initiative promotes community service, hygiene and civic responsibility, with leaders calling for collective efforts to maintain cleanliness and improve sanitation across Pader Town.

Students of Lagwai Seed Secondary School have cleaned Pader Main Market as part of a one-week patriotism training aimed at promoting civic responsibility, community service and good values among learners.

The students, who are members of the school’s Patriotism Club, carried out the cleaning exercise on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, ahead of their scheduled pass-out ceremony on Wednesday, August 19.

According to Okullu Danis, Patron of the Lagwai Seed Patriotism Club, the school started the training on August 12 in line with government guidelines on patriotism education.

He said the school decided to take the learners to the market because it is an important place where people obtain food and therefore requires a clean and hygienic environment.

Okullu said the 100 students involved in the patriotism programme will continue with community service after the training, with the health centre and other public places identified as their next targets.

He appealed to the Pader community to work together voluntarily to improve cleanliness and development, saying community service should be carried out willingly as part of the spirit of patriotism.

Odong George Otto, a facilitator from Pader NGO Forum who supported the training, said the programme focused on value-based living, including respect, unity, integrity and hard work.

He said these values should not only be taught at school but also instilled in children by their parents at home.

Capt Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, Public Information Officer of UPDF 5 Infantry Division, said patriotism training is intended to nurture young people to develop a love for their country and a willingness to serve and sacrifice for the nation.

He said introducing these values to learners at an early age can help shape responsible future leaders and citizens committed to national development.

Sekitto said the UPDF provides instructors to schools that invite them for patriotism training, with the duration depending on the programme and the learners’ adaptation.

Meanwhile, Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, Pader Urban Council III Chairperson, welcomed the initiative, describing hygiene as a collective responsibility.

He said the town council plans to hold an emergency meeting to discuss ways of maintaining cleanliness in the town.

However, Kilama cited challenges with routine garbage collection following the breakdown of the town council’s only tractor, which he said remains at a garage.

Akello Nighty, Chairperson of Pader Market Vendors, thanked the students for supporting the vendors and called on Pader Town Council authorities to upgrade the market.

She also urged vendors to take responsibility for maintaining hygiene.

She called on the Pader Town Council authorities to upgrade the market to improve its condition, appearance and overall cleanliness.

Patrick Otto, tenderer of Pader Main Market, also welcomed the students’ support and called on the town council to assist in maintaining cleanliness.

He thanked Lagwai Seed and Okullu Danish for choosing the market for the community service activity.

However, he called on the town council to continue the students’ work by removing the remaining rubbish and taking it to the designated dumping site.

Pader Town Clerk Mark Lamson Okello said the town council would continue cooperating with Lagwai Seed to ensure the necessary support is provided for cleanliness and proper rubbish management.

He thanked the school management, Board Chairperson Oyet Alex Labeja, and the entire institution for the initiative.

The Head Prefect, Lacwechomia Alfred, said the students intend to extend the community service to hospitals, churches and other schools, emphasising that patriotism is demonstrated through practical service to the community.