opinion 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Patronage Masquerading as Patriotism in Uganda
A commentary distinguishes true patriotism, rooted in constitutional duties like fighting corruption, from blind loyalty to political leaders and parties. It criticizes supporters who label critics as unpatriotic while ignoring massive corruption losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/dear-ugandans-patronage-is-not-patriotism-5420436
In Uganda, where dissent often faces intimidation, many confuse unwavering support for the ruling party with patriotism. This misconception surfaced when a writer shared an article on corruption online, prompting a National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporter to call it unpatriotic for tarnishing the government’s image.
The writer countered with the Inspectorate of Government’s 2025 report, revealing Uganda loses about Shs10 trillion to corruption annually—roughly 40% of government revenue. Such ‘patriotic corps’ dismiss critics as anti-government or foreign agents, ignoring issues affecting public welfare.
True patriotism, as outlined in Article 17 of the 1995 Constitution, involves loving the nation, defending its symbols, paying taxes, combating corruption, and remaining loyal to the country above all. Ugandans show this naturally by cheering the Uganda Cranes, waving flags, singing the anthem, and voting across divides.
Patriotism demands constructive criticism when taxes and budgets for roads, hospitals, and education are mismanaged. Patronage, however, demands blind allegiance to a leader or party, sidelining merit for party loyalists in jobs, contracts, and opportunities.
This leads to public servants prioritizing their appointers over citizens, breeding impunity, nepotism, and corruption that erodes trust in institutions. Patriotism should promote societal betterment and constitutional duties, not party affiliation.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)