LACK OF RESPECT FOR NATIONAL SYMBOLS INTENSIFIES AMONG THE CITIZENS

By Drici Patrick

Arua City
 
Authorities in the West Nile region are actively sensitizing the public about the importance of respecting national symbols, particularly the national anthem and flag.
 
Despite this, the abuse and misuse of these symbols continue to escalate. Many individuals have been found playing the national anthem as their phone ringtone, which is considered highly inappropriate. Official guidelines state that national symbols such as the anthem and flag are sacred and should be treated with dignity at all times.
 
During the playing of the anthem or when the flag is being hoisted or lowered, it is mandatory for people present to stand still until the activity concludes.
However, disrespectful behaviors, such as walking, shouting, or engaging in other activities during such times, are common and reflect a lack of reverence.
 
Officials, including Lt Nasser Mene the Uganda People’s Defense Forces information officer for West Nile region, emphasize the need for early education to instill respect for these symbols from a young age.
 
“If you don’t observe them, those are the consequences. You will be prosecuted, after prosecution you will be learning some lesson’s out of it. So from there you will find that these young ones right from primary, secondary and tertiary where ever you go it’s all about patriotism and you rise and stand, you keep silent, so it shows that you are patriotic,” he said.
 
Raymond Ombere, Arua city education officer, urges teachers to teach learners to honor national symbols early in life to foster patriotism among learners.
 
“As Ugandan citizens you must respect and value the national symbols that is why every school day is supposed to start with a form of assembly and it is during this time that the teachers are supposed to emphasize to the learner the importance of respecting the national anthem,” he said.
 
Moreover, Sara Aliru, a parent, attributes the growing disrespect to lax enforcement of existing rules and the public’s general complacency toward respecting national symbols.
 
“I see there is a lot of laxity because if you look at our time when we were at school. First of all everything was protected. They look at you, they are singing the national anthem, you are passing, you are walking around someone come and gives you a very good cane by the way, then from that time you will understand very fast that when the national anthem is sung, the flags a raised, you are supposed to stand at a still” she recalls.
 
The authorities warn that disrespect for the national symbols could lead to legal repercussions, including imprisonment, as a way to serve as a deterrent.
 
The initiative aims to foster a culture of respect, patriotism, and national pride among citizens by reinforcing proper etiquette and the significance of national symbols.